Manila: Leaders of the United States, India, Japan and Australia are expected to meet in Manila on November 17 for a summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, as the four countries seek to strengthen cooperation on economic security, critical minerals and maritime trade. The meeting is expected to take place alongside the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, being held in the Philippine capital from November 14 to 17. US President Donald Trump is expected to join Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the discussions.
The proposed meeting would be the first Quad leaders' summit since September 2024 and the first since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. It would also mark the resumption of engagement at leaders' level after a planned meeting in 2025 did not take place. Preparations for the Manila meeting have been indicated by officials from the participating countries. Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said on November 13 that the four countries were arranging a summit in Manila. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also indicated in October that a Quad leaders' meeting would take place alongside the ASEAN gatherings.
However, the precise schedule and final agenda of the meeting have not been publicly established by all four governments.
Critical minerals and the security of international shipping routes are expected to feature prominently in the discussions. These issues have become increasingly important as countries seek to protect essential supply chains and ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods and energy through major maritime routes. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements are essential for electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies and advanced industrial equipment. China plays a major role in several global mineral processing and supply chains, raising concerns among the four countries about dependence on individual suppliers and the need for more resilient sources of essential materials.
Maritime security is another major area of shared interest. The four countries have emphasised the importance of protecting commercial shipping and maintaining open international sea lanes. Important routes include the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which are vital for the transportation of energy and other goods. The expected discussions follow a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 31. The meeting brought together Rubio, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo Pacific. They also highlighted economic security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies and the protection of international maritime routes. The ministers expressed concern about economic coercion, arbitrary export restrictions and policies that could disrupt the supply of essential materials. They also emphasised navigational rights and freedoms, the safety of commercial vessels and crews, and respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Manila meeting will take place during a wider gathering of regional and international leaders. The Philippines is hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together", with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr leading the country's role as the rotating chair of the regional organisation. The ASEAN meetings are expected to address several regional and international challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea, the continuing crisis in Myanmar and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Trump is expected to arrive in Manila on November 17, accompanied by Rubio. His visit is also expected to include an ASEAN and United States special summit. Philippine officials have said his late arrival will not disrupt the planned ASEAN programme. The Quad brings together four countries that share an interest in maintaining stability, security and economic cooperation across the Indo Pacific. Although the grouping has become an important platform for addressing strategic challenges, it is not a formal military alliance. Its activities also cover technology, infrastructure, health security, clean energy and disaster response.
The previous leaders' summit was held on September 21, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware, and was hosted by then US President Joe Biden. The leaders at that meeting reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and announced initiatives covering maritime security, technology, infrastructure and other areas. India had been expected to host the next Quad leaders' summit in 2025, but the meeting did not take place. The proposed gathering in Manila therefore offers the four countries an opportunity to renew their engagement at a high level and discuss common priorities at a time of growing economic and strategic competition in the Indo Pacific.
The outcome of the November 17 meeting, including whether the leaders will announce new initiatives on critical minerals or maritime cooperation, remains to be seen.