Foreign ministers from Japan, Australia, India, and the United States will meet on May 26, 2026, in New Delhi under the Quad framework. They will focus on energy security and aim to pave the way for a leaders’ summit, the first since former U.S. President Donald Trump’s second administration began [1].
The last Quad summit took place in September 2024, with no leaders’ meeting since then. A planned 2025 summit in India was cancelled amid tensions between the US and India over India’s Russian oil purchases and differences on India-Pakistan mediation [1].
The Quad foreign ministers intend to address fuel supply vulnerabilities triggered by recent spikes in fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. The leaders also expect to boost cooperation on diversifying critical mineral supply chains, notably rare earth elements, amid concerns about Chinese export controls [1]. Artificial intelligence may also be discussed at the meeting [1].
These discussions come as the region near the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. In early May 2026, the US conducted strikes on missile sites and boats laying mines in Iran’s Hormozgan province, which Iran denounced as a violation of a fragile ceasefire that had lasted nearly seven weeks [2]. The US described the strikes as defensive in nature [2].
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it could take “a few days” to negotiate a deal to halt the conflict, noting an initial agreement had been reached to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and allow 60 days to resolve complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear program [2]. Iranian negotiators have pushed for the memorandum to include the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets [2].
The Quad meeting in New Delhi will be a key moment to coordinate responses to these Middle East tensions and fuel supply concerns. The ministers are expected to set the stage for a future Quad leaders’ summit to advance cooperation on security and economic issues [1].
