Recently, the first summit of the Quadrilateral Framework (QUAD) leaders was hosted by the USA on a virtual platform, featuring an address by the Prime Minister. The QUAD, consisting of India, USA, Australia and Japan, gathered earlier this year to discuss Indo-Pacific issues along with the military coup in Myanmar. The group is dedicated to maintaining the interests of democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region and tackling global hurdles.
Key Points from the QUAD Summit
At the forefront of the summit were pressing crises, namely Covid-19, climate change and evolving technologies. Furthermore, the QUAD pledged to support a free, open rules-based order rooted in international law. This is aimed at enhancing security and prosperity while countering threats in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Quad Vaccine Partnership
An agreement was reached to ensure equitable access to vaccines to help combat the pandemic. This includes pooling financial resources, manufacturing capabilities, and logistical strengths. The vaccine initiative will be financed by Japan, USA and Australia, which has been welcomed by India. The Vaccine Maitri initiative of India, a project to provide Covid-19 vaccines to neighbouring countries, was also acknowledged.
Discussion on China
During the meeting, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was discussed as an example of Chinese aggression. Discussions also revolved around other issues such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan Strait, Australia’s coercion, Senkaku’s harassment, and Chinese cyberattacks on USA targets like Microsoft Exchange and SolarWinds. Cybersecurity incidents in India, Japan and Australia were also spotlighted.
Stances of the QUAD Nations
India emphasized that QUAD members are united by their democratic values and that it continues to be a crucial stability pillar in the Indo-Pacific. America stated that QUAD is not a military alliance or NATO equivalent, but rather an opportunity for cooperation on economics, technology, climate and security. Australia viewed the QUAD grouping as possibly the beginning of a strong, permanent regional grouping of like-minded democracies, while Japan acknowledged the new dynamism QUAD has gained due to the meeting of the top leaders.
China’s Apprehension
China expressed concerns that exchanges and cooperation between countries should contribute to mutual understanding, rather than target a third party or form exclusive blocs. A meeting is slated between the top diplomats of the US and China later this month in Alaska.
About the QUAD
The QUAD is a four-nation alliance established in 2007 composed of India, Australia, USA and Japan. Often referred to as an “Asian” or “mini” NATO, it counterbalances China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. It was initially called the quadrilateral security dialogue but is now known as the quadrilateral framework, indicating it covers more than just security aspects.
Evolution of the QUAD
The QUAD initially struggled to take off due to hesitation among the four nations and opposition from China. However, in November 2017, India, the USA, Australia and Japan revitalized the QUAD Coalition to develop a strategy to keep the Indo-Pacific sea routes free from any influence, particularly China. This resulted in multiple steps taken to strengthen military and strategic ties.
Participation in Malabar Exercise
In 2020, all four QUAD Countries took part in the Malabar exercise, an annual trilateral naval exercise held in the Indian and Pacific Oceans by the navies of India, Japan, and the USA.