Quad Leaders Unveil Wilmington Declaration: A New Era of Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
At the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, the heads of state from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States met for the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware.
The summit culminated in the “Wilmington Declaration,” where the leaders outlined their strategic alignment on maritime security, international law, and climate resilience. With initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and the newly launched Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), the Quad aims to enhance maritime safety and uphold the rules-based order in the region. The leaders further emphasized the need for ASEAN and Indian Ocean cooperation while addressing global challenges like climate change and UN reforms.
1. Quad Nations Commit to Strengthening Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific
The Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—pledged to enhance maritime security through initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). The group will use new technologies to detect and deter unlawful activities in the region, particularly by monitoring “dark vessels” in their Exclusive Economic Zones. The new Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) will provide partners with tools to secure their waters, with India hosting the first workshop in 2025. These efforts reflect the Quad’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
2. New Quad Maritime Legal Dialogue to Uphold Rules-Based Maritime Order
A key takeaway from the Wilmington Declaration is the Quad’s launch of a new maritime legal dialogue. This forum will help nations in the Indo-Pacific uphold the rules-based maritime order. The dialogue aligns with the Quad’s shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, where countries have the freedom to determine their futures without coercion. The initiative is especially relevant as concerns grow over maritime aggression in the South and East China Seas.
3. Quad Announces First-Ever “Quad-at-Sea” Ship Observer Mission in 2025
The U.S., Japan, Australia, and India are set to launch their first Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025. This mission, focusing on maritime safety and interoperability between the Coast Guards and maritime forces of the four nations, aims to enhance collaboration in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific. This follows recent steps to ensure that the region remains free from coercive maritime actions and unlawful activities.
4. Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Quad Endorses ASEAN Centrality
The Quad reaffirmed its support for ASEAN and regional institutions like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Acknowledging ASEAN’s pivotal role, the Quad leaders emphasized alignment with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The summit recognized India’s leadership in drafting the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and expressed support for its implementation. Regional leadership in forums such as the East Asia Summit and the Pacific Islands Forum were underscored as essential for shared stability and prosperity.
5. Quad to Focus on Climate Change and Ocean Health in the Pacific
Acknowledging that climate change remains the single greatest threat to Pacific nations, the Quad leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific regional institutions. Climate action, ocean health, and resilient infrastructure will be prioritized as the Quad works with Pacific partners to mitigate climate risks. These commitments align with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, reinforcing the Quad’s leadership in combating global environmental challenges.
6. Quad Leaders Commit to UN Reforms and Support for International Law
At the summit, the Quad nations reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasized that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully, and maritime freedom should be maintained. The Quad also voiced its support for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and transparent, emphasizing the need for inclusion of regions like Africa and Latin America in the reformed body.
You Can Listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Speech by clicking the Link Below
https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1rmxPopOOqMJN
