Origin, objectives and significance of QUAD
Amidst the ongoing global tensions, courtesy the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the QUAD countries came together to discuss the current world affairs when an emergency session was summoned. In this context, let us understand what QUAD is, how it originated and why it is significant in today’s world.
What is QUAD?
The QUAD, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic alliance comprising of four countries, namely: India, The United States of America, Japan, and Australia. These nations came together to find a common ground, and continue to uphold democracy and maritime cooperation through trade and security affairs.
When and how did QUAD originate?
After the tsunami in 2004 in the Indian Ocean, countries like India, Japan, Australia and the USA came forward and built an allied forum where they intended to discuss collaborative disaster management and relief methods.
Incidentally, long after tsunami, the alliance of the four nations continued, till 2007, when the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formally proposed the formation of QUAD during the meet of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
QUAD continued to operate on grounds of its original objectives, however, in 2017, when China threatened the alliance, QUAD swiftly expanded its objectives which included establishing a mechanism to determine a formal rule-based global order.
In 2008, Australia had terminated its alliance due to pressure from the Chinese government, however, 2 years later, in 2010 it re-joined during the first joint Malabar naval exercise.
How is QUAD significant for India?
QUAD plays an essential part for India, especially when it comes to combating Chinese powers, handling post Covid diplomacy, providing security in the India Ocean in order to protect its borders and in ensuring the existence of a multi-polar world.
How does the QUAD operate?
The QUAD operates through meetings, semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills.
Objectives and Principles of QUAD
The primary objectives of the QUAD include:
- To ensure that the strategic and important sea routes in the Indo-Pacific region is free from any foreign military or political influence.
- To ensure that the Indo-Pacific region if free, open, prosperous and inclusive.
- To ensure a liberal trading system among the allied nations and allow free navigation.
- To ensure that predatory trade and economic policies are countered.
- To offer nations who are in debt with financial aid, especially the ones in Indo-Pacific region.