QUAD leaders ask for the UNSC reform agenda, expansion of UNSC

New Delhi: The four Foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States of America met in New Delhi in their QUAD foreign ministers meeting on 03 March 2023.

The QUAD foreign ministers agree that "the rules-based international order is anchored in international law, including the UN Charter, and the principles of sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all states."

The QUAD ministers also added that they are "committed to cooperating to address attempts to unilaterally subvert the UN and international system, in consultation with partners and through multilateral and international platforms."

The four countries reiterate unwavering support and commitment to the UN Charter to strengthen the UN and international system.

However, they asked for "a comprehensive reform agenda expansion in permanent and non-permanent seats of the UN Security Council." India has been lobbying for years  to be on the high table and several world leaders are in support of it.

The joint press release further added that "QUAD is "committed to active and constructive engagement in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) process on Security Council Reforms with an overall objective of making the UN Security Council (UNSC) more effective, representative, and credible."

"We will support meritorious and independent candidates for elections in the UN and in international forums to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the international system. "We note with appreciation the UN Secretary General's call for full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Maritime Security

QUAD, without naming China, also discussed the maritime security in the Indo-Pacific areas, including the South and East China sea and said that they "recognize that peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and reiterate the importance of respect for sovereignty, consistent with international law."

"We reiterate the importance of adherence to international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas."

The QUAD leaders strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo or increase tensions in the area. “We express serious concern at the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries' offshore resource exploitation activities, ” the press release added.

The QUAD also showed their willingness to deepen engagement with regional partners, including through information-sharing, capacity-building and technical assistance, to strengthen maritime domain awareness; counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; enhance their capability to protect and develop offshore resources, consistent with UNCLOS; ensure freedom of navigation and overflight; and promote the safety and security of sea lines of communication.

The next meeting and discussions of the Quad Maritime Security Working Group will be hosted by the United States in Washington DC later this month.