New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with representatives from Australia, India, and Japan on Tuesday, aiming to revive the so-called Quad security alliance.

This initiative has been viewed with suspicion by China, particularly in light of disagreements over Iran and questions regarding the United States' commitment to the alliance.

The meeting in New Delhi comes shortly after US President Donald Trump's friendly state visit to China, during which he expressed optimism about the two nations working together as a 'G2'.

This concept is concerning for US allies who fear being left out of any new global power structure.

Rubio took an initial step by meeting Quad foreign ministers in Washington immediately after his swearing-in last year and again in July 2025.

However, a planned Quad summit did not materialize the previous year due to Trump's lack of commitment to travel to India for it, despite predecessor Joe Biden's assurance that such summits would be 'here to stay'.

Rubio, on his first visit to India, expressed hope in laying the groundwork for a Quad summit involving Trump.

He emphasized the importance of having specific deliverables and accomplishments for the leaders to discuss and announce.

Rubio also highlighted potential areas of cooperation within the Quad, including securing critical minerals and enhancing maritime security.

Japan has particular concerns regarding China's assertiveness in territorial claims.

The discussions are further complicated by disagreements over Iran, with both Japan and India historically maintaining cordial relations with Tehran but reluctantly adhering to US sanctions on Iranian oil.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is one of the few world leaders who has shown understanding for the war against Iran, though without actively supporting it.

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Australia regarding this issue.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met prior to the full Quad gathering, emphasizing the need to address the 'increasingly severe' global security situation, driven by a shift in power dynamics and heightened conflict.

Rubio's meeting with Jaishankar downplayed concerns over US commitment to the Quad, referencing Trump's strong support for it during his first term.

The idea of the Quad was initially conceived by Japan's late prime minister Shinzo Abe as a group of like-minded democracies facing China's rise.

Biden has envisioned a broader role for the Quad, focusing on disaster relief, supply chains, and public health cooperation.