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20th Anniversary of QUAD
Context:
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), consisting of the United States (US), India, Australia, and Japan, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its cooperation on December 31, 2024.
Aim/Objective of Quad: A Free and Open Indo-Pacific
- The primary objective of the Quad is to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, countering China’s territorial assertiveness and influence.
- By promoting democratic values, adherence to international law, and secure maritime routes, the Quad seeks to maintain peace and stability in a region critical for global trade and security.
Key timelines include:
- 2004: Initial cooperation during the Tsunami relief efforts.
- 2007: Formal launch of the Quad proposed by the then-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe .
- 2008: Australia’s temporary withdrawal due to Chinese diplomatic protests.
- 2010: Australia rejoined the Quad.
- 2020: Australia’s participation in the Malabar Naval Exercises, marking a significant expansion.
- Extension of Malabar Exercises: Initially a bilateral naval exercise between India and the US, the Malabar Exercises expanded with Japan’s inclusion in 2007 and Australia’s in 2020. These exercises symbolise the Quad’s commitment to maritime security.
What Quad Is and Is Not: A Broad-Based Alliance
- Indian Version on What Quad is: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has characterised the Quad as “for something, not against something.” This broad-based alliance transcends maritime security to encompass climate change, health, and democratic values.
- Chinese View: Beijing labels the Quad as the “Asian NATO,” perceiving it as a containment strategy against China’s influence. This view stems from the Quad’s focus on countering Chinese expansionism and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Progress in Quad:
- Bipartisan Support in the US: The Quad has enjoyed consistent support across US administrations. Under Barack Obama, the “Pivot to Asia” strategy laid the groundwork. Donald Trump revitalised the Quad, and Joe Biden further expanded its scope, integrating inter-parliamentary exchanges and mutual investment opportunities.
- Recent Progress: In September 2024, the Quad broadened its remit to include inter-ministerial exchanges, enhancing its multidimensional cooperation.
- Why Such Quick Progress in Quad?
- The Quad’s rapid development is largely attributed to the aggressive expansion of China’s BRI, which seeks to extend Beijing’s economic and strategic influence globally. This expansion has galvanised member nations to strengthen their collaborative framework.
Concerns About Quad:
- Impact on ASEAN: The Quad’s exclusionary nature has drawn criticism for marginalising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which holds significant security and trade ties in the region. To address these concerns, the Quad has emphasised ASEAN’s centrality in its strategic vision.
- Broader Dimensions: Critics also highlight potential overemphasis on security, risking neglect of other critical issues like economic integration and developmental assistance.
India’s View on Quad:
- India upholds ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and views the Quad as a vital balancing mechanism.
- However, it also participates in alternative groupings such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, reflecting its nuanced approach to regional and global diplomacy.
- What Quad Means for India
- The Quad offers India a platform to counterbalance China’s regional influence while fostering ties with like-minded democracies.
- However, India’s simultaneous engagement in the SCO and an expanded BRICS positions it as a voice for the Global South, underscoring its strategic balancing act.
Way Forward to Strengthen Quad:
- Enhanced Coordination with ASEAN: Integrating ASEAN’s priorities will bolster the Quad’s legitimacy and effectiveness.
- Issue-Based Alliance: According to India’s Foreign Minister S.Jaisankar, India has transitioned from non-alignment to an issue-based alliance, operating without formal agreements.
- Avoiding False Equivalence with NATO: As highlighted by S.Jaisankar, Quad has a positive agenda and is “for something “ and not “against something”. According to him, Quad has five messages:
- It reflects the growth of a multipolar order;
- It is post-alliance and post-Cold War thinking;
- It is against spheres of influence;
- It expresses the democratising of global space and a collaborative, not unilateral approach.
- It is a statement that in this day and age, others cannot have a veto on our choices.
- Making QUAD more inclusive by Enhancing cooperation with ASEAN , Russia & Pacific Ocean countries :
- Chennai – Vladivostok maritime route: The Memorandum of Intent to open a full-fledged maritime route between Vladivostok and Chennai was signed in 2019 to connect India and Russia’s Far East.
As the Quad moves forward, its ability to address regional challenges while fostering inclusive partnerships will determine its enduring relevance in the Indo-Pacific landscape.
