Write about the growing significance of QUAD. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
QUAD
- It is the grouping of four democracies –India, Australia, the US, and Japan.
- All four nations find a common ground of being democratic nations and also support the common interest of unhindered maritime trade and security.
- It aims to ensure and supporta “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
- The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.
- Finally in 2017, India, Australia, the US and Japan, came together and formed this “quadrilateral” coalition.
Significance of Quad for India
Countering China:
- The maritime space is a lot more important to China than engaging in opportunistic land grab attemptsin the Himalayas.
- A huge chunk of Chinese trade happens via the Indian oceanic routes that pass through maritime chokepoints.
- In the event of any Chinese aggression on borders, India by cooperating with Quad countries can potentially disrupt Chinese trade.
- Hence, unlike in the continental sphere where India seems facing a ‘nutcracker like situation’ due to China-Pakistan collusion, the maritime sphere is wide open to India to undertake coalition building, rule setting, and other forms of strategic exploration.
- Emerging as a Net Security Provider:
- There is a growing great power interest in the maritime sphere, especially with the arrival of the concept of ‘Indo-Pacific’. For instance, many European countries have recently released their Indo-Pacific strategies.
- With India, located right at the centre of the Indo-Pacific geopolitical imagination can realise the vision of a ‘broader Asia’ that can extend its influence away from geographical boundaries.
- Moreover, India can build around collective action in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, monitoring shippingfor search and rescue or anti-piracy operations, infrastructure assistance to climatically vulnerable states, connectivity initiatives and similar activities.
- Further, India withQuad countries can check imperialist policies of China in Indian ocean region and ensure Security and growth for all in the region.
Issues Related to Quad
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- Undefined Vision:Although there is potential for cooperation, the Quad remains a mechanism without a defined strategic mission.
- Maritime Dominated:The entire focus on the Indo-Pacific makes the Quad a maritime, rather than a land-based grouping, raising questions whether the cooperation extends to the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian regions.
- India’s Aversion of Alliance System:The fact that India is the only member that is averse to a treaty alliance system, has slowed down the progress of building a stronger Quadrilateral engagement.
Looking Forward
- The Quad nations need to better explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching frameworkwith the objective of advancing everyone’s economic and security interests.
- India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific; therefore,India should pitch for countries like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join in the future.
- India should developa comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific which would ideate on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools, engage its strategic partners.
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