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Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)
Context:
The Indian Prime Minister emphasised that the Quad alliance is not directed against any nation and is here to stay.
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- Four years after elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the alliance is more strategically aligned than ever, serving as a positive force for the Indo-Pacific, according to a joint declaration issued by the four nations following the Leaders Summit in Delaware, USA.
- The Quad also launched a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), aimed at empowering Indo-Pacific partners to better monitor and secure their waters, enforce laws, and deter illegal activities.
- India is set to host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.
- Additionally, the Quad unveiled a pilot project for the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which will enhance collective logistics capabilities and shared airlift capacity during natural disasters.
- India has announced a $7.5 million grant from India to support cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
Cancer Moonshot Initiative
The Quad nations have launched the Cancer Moonshot Initiative to combat cervical cancer, which primarily affects women. The program will focus on promoting HPV vaccination, expanding access to screening, and enhancing treatment options. The Quad countries will collaborate with UN agencies to bulk purchase HPV diagnostics, reducing the cost of cervical cancer screenings. Additionally, they will work with the International Atomic Energy Agency to improve access to and quality of medical imaging and radiation therapy.
About Quad
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal strategic partnership involving four countries: the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.
- Established to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the Quad has evolved into a significant diplomatic and security framework in response to regional challenges, particularly concerning China’s assertive policies.
Historical Context
- Origins: The Quad’s roots trace back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where these nations collaborated on humanitarian assistance.
- The formal dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe but faced setbacks, notably Australia’s withdrawal in 2008 due to changing political dynamics.
- Reinvigoration: The Quad was revitalised in 2017 amid rising concerns over China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Leaders from the four nations convened at the ASEAN Summit, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in various domains, including security and economic stability.
Objectives and Activities
- Core Goals: The primary aim of the Quad is to ensure a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, promoting freedom of navigation and addressing regional security challenges.
- This includes countering China’s growing military presence and economic influence.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Recent Quad activities include joint military exercises, discussions on climate change, technological innovation, and public health responses such as vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Developments
- Wilmington Declaration (2024): At a recent summit in Wilmington, the Quad leaders announced several initiatives, including the Quad BioExplore Initiative, aimed at enhancing biosecurity and health systems across member countries. They also emphasised support for ASEAN’s centrality in regional affairs.
- Investment Networks: The establishment of the Quad Investors Network (QUIN) aims to facilitate investments in critical technologies and promote economic collaboration among member states.
- Regional Impact: The Quad has been viewed as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the region. While it emphasises cooperation among democracies, it also faces criticism from China, which perceives it as an attempt to contain its rise and term it Asian Nato.