Beyond Headlines...: What is QUAD ?

QUAD known as The ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’ (QSD), is a loosely formed strategic meeting among four countries. The countries are the United States of America (USA), India, Australia, and Japan. The QUAD aims to promote a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The organization's inaugural conference occurred in 2007, adjacent to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting. Regarded as a coalition of maritime democracies, the QUAD conducts meetings, semi-annual summits, information sharing, and military exercises involving all member nations.

Formation of the QUAD

Since its establishment in 2007, the representatives for the four-member nations have met periodically. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the first to pitch the idea for the formation of QUAD in 2007. In fact, its origins can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue operations for itself and neighbouring countries and was later joined by the US, Japan and Australia. Therefore, China issued formal diplomatic protests to the members of QUAD.

Objectives of Quad:

The motive behind the QUAD is to keep the strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any military or political influence. It is basically seen as a strategic grouping to reduce Chinese domination. The core objective of the QUAD is to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system. The coalition also aims to offer alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The QUAD leaders exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change, pandemic and education.

Further, QUAD members have also indicated a willingness to expand the partnership through a so-called QUAD Plus that would include South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam amongst others.

● Significance of QUAD for India :

■ It is believed that the forum strategically counters China’s economic and military rise. Interestingly, if Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad nations to counter the communist nation.

■ The member countries have launched several initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, the Blue Dot Network, and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative to promote economic development in the region. India is mostly at the receiving end of investments by QUAD countries.

■ In addition, India can even take the help of its naval front and conduct strategic explorations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Contributed by:

Rajesh Barman