QUAD and India

The democratic nations of the world can use the Quad as an instrument to check China’s ambitions be it in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

It is of the opinion that China’s rise cannot be halted but can only be countered with an equally strong economic and security-oriented organisation and the Quad fits the setting.

QUAD:

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the ‘Quad’ is an informal setup of Australia-India-Japan-United States.
It aims to strengthen the defence and security cooperation amongst the four countries.
The ‘quad’ has endorsed a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that isn’t monopolised by a single country.
Securing a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation are believed to the guiding principles.

Opportunity for India under QUAD Agreement

India has to have a more open approach towards the formation of the Quad and international relations in general.
It has to map out a strategy of opening doors of cooperation in relation to its Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Australia.
India perhaps can set up naval bases in Australian islands whereas the same can be offered by India to Australia.
India can build around collective action in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, monitoring shipping for search and rescue or anti-piracy operations, infrastructure assistance to climatically vulnerable states, connectivity initiatives and similar activities.
India holds a significant position in the Quad and if this organisation takes shape in reality it can also counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
This way India can maintain peace and security in its Indian Ocean region.

Issues related to QUAD:

India’s Aversion of Alliance System.
Maritime Dominated
Undefined Vision

Significance:

It helps India and the other three nations to counter China’s OBOR
It will provide a powerful platform to advance Indian interest in the region and strengthen the Act East policy.
It will deepen India’s ties with US, Australia and Japan with benefits in diplomatic leverage and sharing of burden in defence.
Tackle common challenges of terrorism and proliferation
Cooperation “to curtail DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)’s nuclear and missile programmes and unlawful acts
Free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large.

Challenges:

Strategic analysts argue that India is dragging itself into the US-China rivalry.
India has impeded the Chinese desire to have a diplomatic mission in Bhutan, it would be a challenge if the US pursues the same
China’s Closeness to ASEAN
Economic Power of China
QUAD may affect India-Russia relations and gave further impetus to improve China-Russia relations, which will impact India.

Way Forward:

The process of establishment of the Quad is the beginning of a new idea that is complex and multi-dimensional in nature
It can be a possible way to build a liberal international order to counter China’s bold rise.
The Quad will need to have a clearer vision for itself.
The Quad should focus on building a robust regional consultation mechanism and coordinate with ASEAN nations on issues of regional importance.
World Bank and Asian Development Bank must focus on infrastructure funding in the region that would promote economic growth.