QUAD

QUAD Latest News

Senior defence officers from Quad nations have expressed concerns over China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific during a panel on “Deepwater Perils: Securing Trade”.

What is the Quad?

• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic forum involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, focusing on maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Not a military alliance but a diplomatic partnership aimed at maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• Quad operates through annual summits, foreign ministers’ meetings, and six working groups covering: Health, Climate, Critical & Emerging Technology, Space, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity.

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Evolution of the QUAD

• 2007: Japan’s Shinzo Abe proposed the Quad during an informal ASEAN meeting.
• 2012: The Concept of the ‘Democratic Security Diamond’ (India, US, Japan, Australia) was introduced.
• 2017: Quad revitalised due to China’s growing influence; first formal meeting held in Manila.
• 2020: Malabar naval exercises expanded to include Australia, marking the first joint military exercise of Quad.
• 2021: Quad leaders met virtually and released the joint statement “The Spirit of the Quad”.

Functioning of the QUAD

• Not a formal alliance like NATO, but a strategic grouping.
• Engagement through summits, meetings, intelligence sharing, and military drills.
• Key Summits:
  • March 2021: First virtual meeting.
  • September 2021: First in-person Quad Summit.
  • Ongoing meetings to enhance security and economic cooperation.

What is the Indo-Pacific Region?

• The Indo-Pacific refers to the interconnected waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, a region of strategic, economic, and geopolitical significance.
• It serves as a major trade route, facilitating 60% of global maritime trade.

QUAD FAQs

Q1. What is the QUAD?

Ans. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic partnership between India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, focusing on regional security, economic cooperation, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Q2. When was the QUAD formed?

Ans. The QUAD was first conceptualized in 2007 but became more active in 2017 due to rising geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Q3. Is QUAD a military alliance?

Ans. No, QUAD is not a formal military alliance like NATO. It is a strategic grouping focused on economic and security cooperation. However, QUAD members conduct joint military exercises like the Malabar Exercise.

Source: IE