Grouping's first meeting under new US President reaffirms its commitment to Indo-Pacific security, though experts flag concerns, writes Bhaswar Kumar

Wishes poured-in for India from countries around the world as it celebrated its 76th Republic Day. Notable among them were the US, Brazil, France, South Africa, Russia, Nepal, the UAE, China and several other countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement wishing Indians on the occasion of Republic Day.

As India marked its 76th Republic Day with celebrations, embassies from across the world extended their warm wishes, emphasising the significance of India's democratic journey and its role in global partnerships.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said that Australia is one of the few foreign government to have been invited to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. During her visit,

US extends greetings to India on Republic Day, highlighting the enduring significance of the India-US relationship.

The threat of punitive tariffs, critical minerals and the AUKUS partnership – not the future of Kevin Rudd’s ambassadorship – formed the basis of Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s first meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The meeting, bringing together representatives of the four largest militaries in the Indo-Pacific, was a clear signal that the Trump administration will intensify military preparations and threats directed at China.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has held one-on-one talks for the first time with newly sworn-in US secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Fresh from attending Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Foreign Minister Penny Wong will hold meetings with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met her Indian and Japanese counterparts in Washington and said the invitation for Quad foreign ministers to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration showed an "iron-clad commitment" to close cooperation in the Indo Pacific region.

Australia’s argument to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs and maintain the AUKUS pact was successfully delivered on the first full day of his administration in his top diplomat’s first foreign engagements.

Australia and other Quad nations pledged to work together following the first meeting of the diplomatic grouping since US President Donald Trump returned to power.Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her counterparts from India and Japan held talks with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on  Wednesday (AEDT).