Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

Posted 22 Feb 2025

4 min read

Why in the news?

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Quad marked the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation.

About Quad

Formalisation led by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in 2007.
Members: Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S
Nature: An informal strategic partnership and an alliance of maritime democracies.
Purpose: Supports an open, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Four Democracies acts as a force for global good, delivering positive and lasting impact.
Vision: Launched Vision Statement in 2023 which is centred around theme 'Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific'.
Working: Work of the Quad is taken forward through following six Leader level Working Groups in six areas: Climate, Critical and Emerging Technologies, Cyber, Health Security Partnership, Infrastructure and Space
Key Summits: Annual Quad Leaders' Summits and Foreign Ministers' Meetings.
Global Footprint: Represents-
- 24% of the world's population,
- 35% of global GDP
- 18% of global trade

An image showing relevance of Quad for India.

Changing Dynamics of QUAD: From Military to Economic Alliance

Even though Quad is not a formal military bloc, it has transitioned from a military-focused group to a broader alliance emphasizing economic cooperation and regional stability, adapting to global geopolitical shifts.

Sector of cooperation

Description

Military Focus (initial phase)

Quad partners have been working side-by-side with partners throughout the region to bolster maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Some key initiative include annual Malabar Exercises and the 2+2 Dialogue (India-U.S.) strengthen defence ties
- Strengthening the Quad Act: Passed by US House in 2024, it directs the US State Department to enact a strategy for increasing engagement and cooperation with the Quad.
  - It also Seeks to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate cooperation between members

Economic Expansion (recent phase)

Post Covid-19, most of the Quad initiatives are more focused on economic and sustainable development. Some of them are as follows:

Wilmington Declaration: Marked a key Quad meeting in the U.S.
Health Security: Launched the Health Security Partnership and Quad Cancer Moonshot to fight cervical cancer.
Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: Enhancing disaster response through shared airlift and logistics.
Quality Infrastructure: Quad Ports of the Future initiative for resilient port infrastructure.
Critical & Emerging Tech: Promoting Open RAN deployment and Quad Investors Network (QUIN) for tech investments.
Clean Energy: Supporting secure clean energy supply chains.
Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), 2022 to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation
Cybersecurity: Action Plan to Protect Undersea Telecommunications Cables for digital security.
Space Collaboration: Earth Observation data sharing for climate disaster management.
Counterterrorism: First Counter Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) (2023) addressing C-UAS and CBRN threats.

Challenges faced by QUAD

Lack of Institutional Framework: Quad lacks a formal structure like NATO and operates through informal meetings. This weakens its ability to act decisively in crises.
Unequal Burden-Sharing: Quad members have varying financial resources, strategic priorities, and military capabilities. This creates an imbalance, placing more responsibility on certain members.
Conflicting Partnerships: India's ties with Russia and the SCO may contradict Quad's strategic objectives. Australia's economic dependence on China could make it vulnerable to coercion.
- Quad's focus on security, maritime defense, and intelligence sharing even fuelled speculation about it becoming an "Asian NATO."
Diverging China Strategies: Japan and Australia rely on China for trade but oppose its military assertiveness. India has a direct strategic rivalry but continues economic engagement with China.
India's Specific Concerns
- Geopolitical Strains: Strengthening Quad ties could alienate key partners like Iran (enemy of US) and Myanmar (ally of China).
- Different Indo-Pacific Visions: India focuses on the Indian Ocean, while others emphasize the Pacific.

Way Forward for Strengthening Quad

Defining a Clear Indo-Pacific strategy: Quad must articulate a well-defined Indo-Pacific strategy to align economic and security goals. This will reassure smaller nations about its role in regional stability.
Expanding Membership: India should advocate for the inclusion of countries like Indonesia and Singapore. A broader Quad could enhance regional credibility and influence.
Strengthening India's Maritime Strategy: India needs a robust Indo-Pacific maritime doctrine. This should address security challenges, integrate military and diplomatic efforts, and engage strategic allies.