Quad

The Quad, officially known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is an informal strategic forum comprising the United States, India, Australia, and Japan.

About Quad:

• The Quad, officially known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is an informal strategic forum comprising the United States, India, Australia, and Japan.
• Origin can be traced back to Quad collaboration during the 2004 Tsunami rescue operations in the Indian Ocean region.
• The group met for the first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Objectives:

• To work for a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• To be a force for global good, supporting an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient.

Formation History:

• Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed the idea of Quad in 2007.
• Its origins are linked to Exercise Malabar and the 2004 Tsunami, with China issuing diplomatic protests.
• Australia initially withdrew but later rejoined due to enhanced military cooperation with the US.

Principles and Motives:

• The motive is to keep strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free from military or political influence.
• Seen as a strategic grouping to counterbalance China’s economic and military rise.
• Aims to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation, and a liberal trading system.
• Coalition offers alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Significance for India:

• Provides a platform to counterbalance China’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific, including the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Allows India to rise above its middle-power status and project influence beyond the Indo-Pacific.
• The Quad’s informality provides flexibility, enabling members to pursue foreign policy interests while fostering cooperation.

Quad Summit:

2022:

• Leaders of Quad nations met on May 24, 2022, in Tokyo for the fourth time and the second time in person.
• Launched a new initiative for continuous collaboration in the maritime domain, space, climate change, health, and cyber security.
• Pledged to ensure a rules-based maritime order, opposing coercive, provocative, or unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas.

2023:

• Quad member countries agreed to hold the next in-person Summit in 2023, hosted by Australia.

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