QUAD ISSUES STRONG WARNING OVER STRATEGIC SEA ROUTES, OPPOSES TOLLS ON HORMUZ AND RED SEA SHIPPING

November 1, 2026

Foreign ministers of the Quad grouping—India, the United States, Japan and Australia—have called for the protection of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that disruptions to these critical maritime corridors threaten international commerce and global energy supplies.

The declaration followed a meeting of the four countries’ foreign ministers in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, October 31. The ministers reaffirmed that navigational rights and freedoms must be protected in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The joint statement emphasised the need to ensure the uninterrupted passage of commercial vessels and the safety of maritime crews, while opposing the imposition of tolls on these waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is particularly significant to global energy transportation, while the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait form an important maritime corridor connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.

The statement comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and concerns over the potential impact of maritime disruptions on energy supplies, shipping costs and international trade. The ministers stressed that maintaining secure and accessible sea lanes remains essential to economic stability.

Beyond maritime security, the Quad countries discussed strengthening supply-chain resilience, critical-mineral cooperation and access to trusted technologies. They also expressed concern over arbitrary export restrictions and economic practices that disrupt global supply chains, while reiterating their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The meeting offered no definite date for the next Quad leaders’ summit. However, the four countries reiterated their intention to convene the gathering, as cooperation on maritime security and economic resilience remains a central priority for the grouping.