The recent announcement by the United States about hosting the first in-person meeting of the Quad countries (India, Japan, Australia and the US) in New York has sparked anticipation globally. The summit was followed by a somewhat unfavorable response from China, condemning such exclusive groups for creating discord amongst nations. The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, was formed to foster an Asian Arc of Democracy and has since evolved to cope with the rising threats posed by China. Today, it stands as an informal alliance focused on establishing a rules-based international order.
Formation and Evolution of the Quad
The Quad was initially conceived in 2004 as a result of collaboration between India, Japan, Australia and the US after the Indian Ocean Tsunami for disaster relief efforts. Japanese PM, Shinzo Abe, formally established the alliance as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in 2007. However, the Quad encountered resistance due to accusations of being an anti-China bloc and lack of cohesion amongst its members.
However, recognising China’s growing threat in 2017, the member countries revived the Quad, widening its objectives to establish a rules-based international order progressively. In 2020, India, the US, and Japan’s Malabar naval exercises grew to incorporate Australia, signaling the resurgence of the Quad.
The leaders of the Quad met virtually in March 2021, and the joint statement released, titled ‘The Spirit of the Quad,’ outlined the group’s tactical approach and objectives.
Objectives of the Quad
The Quad primarily focuses on maritime security, fighting the Covid-19 pandemic via vaccine diplomacy, addressing climate change risks, facilitating regional investment, and fostering technological innovation, according to ‘The Spirit of the Quad.’ Despite this, many still consider its central focus to be countering China. The Quad members have also hinted at expanding their alliance through a ‘Quad Plus’ to include other countries such as South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam.
The Quad and its Relationship with China
All Quad members perceive China’s South China Sea activities and the One Belt One Road Project as threats. Each member has their concerns regarding China’s increasing influence. While the US is anxious about global competition, Japan and Australia worry about China’s escalating presence in South and East China Seas. India has outstanding border conflicts with China. China, on the other hand, views the Quad as an encirclement strategy and has pressured nations like Bangladesh to refrain from cooperating with the group.
Challenges Faced by the Quad
The Quad currently lacks a definitive strategic mission and is not structured like a typical multilateral organisation. It does not have a secretariat or any permanent decision-making body. Unlike NATO, the Quad does not include provisions for collective defense. Instead, it performs joint military exercises as a demonstration of unity and diplomatic cohesion.
The Quad’s focus on the Indo-Pacific potentially limits it to being a maritime, rather than a land-based grouping. This raises questions about cooperation extending to the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian regions. Furthermore, India’s aversion to treaty alliance systems has hindered progress towards a more robust Quadrilateral engagement.
The Way Forward
For effective functioning, the Quad nations need to articulate the Indo-Pacific Vision better to foster economic and security interests. To convince littoral States that the Quad is a regional benefit and not a military alliance, the nations must present their vision coherently. Ministerial meetings offer excellent opportunities to define these ideas and chart future paths.
Considering India’s multiple partners in the Indo-Pacific, it should advocate for countries like Indonesia and Singapore to join in the future. By developing a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific, India can ideate on current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools, and engage its strategic partners.
