What is "QUAD "

 

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The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), commonly known as the Quad, is an informal strategic forum comprising four countries: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. Let’s explore its significance:

1. Objective:

   • The Quad serves as a platform for these countries to discuss regional security issues, defense cooperation, and common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Historical Context:

   • The dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the support of Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
   • It was paralleled by joint military exercises of unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar.

3. Revival and Current Focus:

   • The Quad ceased in 2008 following the withdrawal of Australia during Kevin Rudd’s tenure as prime minister.
   • However, during the 2017 ASEAN Summits, all four former members agreed to revive the alliance to counter China militarily and diplomatically in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.
   • The Quad aims to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, uphold a rules-based maritime order, and respond to challenges such as COVID-1912.

4. China’s Response and Concerns:

   • Tensions between Quad members and China have led to fears of what some commentators call “a new Cold War” in the region.
   • China has issued formal diplomatic protests to Quad members, referring to it as “Asian NATO.”
   • Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar denies China’s allegations and claims that India never had a "NATO mentality"