Quad Sherpas Meet in New Delhi to Advance Indo-Pacific Cooperation
By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
NEW DELHI, September 4, 2026: Senior diplomatic representatives from India, Australia, Japan and the United States met in New Delhi on September 3 for the latest Quad Sherpas’ Meeting, focusing on practical cooperation and preparations for the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hosted the meeting, which was attended by Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary of the Strategic Planning & Coordination Group at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Hiroyuki Namazu, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; and Sergio Gor, U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India.
The New Delhi discussions followed the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on May 26, 2026. The Sherpas reviewed progress on initiatives agreed under the Quad framework and considered measures to strengthen practical cooperation among the four countries.
A major focus of the meeting was the shared objective of supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. The representatives also exchanged views on developments affecting the region as well as wider international issues.
Key Areas of Quad Cooperation
The discussions covered several strategic and emerging areas, including:
- Maritime and transnational security
- Economic prosperity and economic security
- Critical and emerging technologies
- Humanitarian assistance and emergency response
- Developments across the Indo-Pacific and the wider global environment
The four representatives emphasised the importance of translating Quad cooperation into specific, practical and action-oriented initiatives.
The meeting also served as part of the diplomatic preparations for the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, with the participating countries agreeing to maintain consultations in the period ahead.
Quad’s Continuing Regional Focus
The latest Sherpas’ meeting underscores the Quad partners’ continued effort to deepen coordination on security, technology, economic resilience and humanitarian challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The discussions in New Delhi are expected to contribute to shaping the agenda for the next ministerial-level Quad engagement, while reinforcing cooperation among India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
— Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
