Rubio to revive 'Quad' alliance in India, but staying power unclear
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Australia, India, and Japan in New Delhi to revive the Quad security alliance amid concerns over China’s rise and disagreements with allies on the US-Israeli war in Iran. The meeting follows President Donald Trump’s state visit to China, where he proposed a 'G2' framework, and comes as Trump’s administration seeks to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and maritime security cooperation with Quad partners.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in New Delhi with foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan to revive the Quad security alliance, a grouping viewed with suspicion by China. The meeting took place amid tensions over US policy on Iran, where Trump’s administration launched a military strike on February 28 without consulting allies, straining relations with countries like Australia, Japan, and India. Rubio’s visit follows Trump’s state visit to China last month, where he proposed a 'G2' framework between the US and China, a move that has alarmed Quad members concerned about being sidelined. The Quad, originally conceived by Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was intended to counter China’s growing influence through coordinated diplomacy, disaster relief, and supply chain cooperation. During his first visit to India, Rubio emphasized the need for concrete deliverables ahead of a potential Quad summit involving Trump. He highlighted cooperation on securing critical minerals, an area where China dominates, and maritime security, particularly China’s assertive claims in the South China Sea. Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi warned of a 'structural change' in global security, driven by shifting power dynamics and rising conflicts. India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar downplayed concerns about US commitment, citing Trump’s past support for the Quad. However, the alliance has faced setbacks, including the cancellation of a planned 2025 summit due to Trump’s reluctance to travel to India. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, one of the few leaders to express cautious support for the Iran strike, has also faced criticism from Trump for not fully backing the operation. The Quad’s future remains uncertain, with disagreements over Iran and Trump’s shifting alliances complicating efforts to strengthen the partnership. Despite these challenges, Rubio’s visit signals an attempt to reaffirm the group’s relevance in countering China’s influence and addressing shared security concerns.
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