Quad’s 20 years of cooperation

Recently, India and other Quad member nations celebrated 20 years of cooperation.

The Quad is the short form for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
It is a group of countries comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia that focuses on fostering security, economic cooperation, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad also works together to counterbalance China’s increasing influence on the Pacific Ocean, alongside protecting democratic values and ensuring the rule of law in the region.
Formation: The four countries collaborated for the relief operations during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. However, they officially became a group after Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed to formalise the group in 2007. But, Australia withdrew from this group in 2008 due to Chinese pressure.
In 2017, Australia returned to the group, and the first official Quad talks were held in the Philippines.

The Quad operates without a formal structure or secretariat. It relies on regular summits, military drills, and joint projects. Key initiatives include:
Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA): Enhances real-time monitoring of maritime activities, including illegal fishing.
Maritime Initiative for Training (MAITRI): Focuses on capacity-building in maritime security and law enforcement.
Quad Cancer Moonshot: Aims to combat cervical cancer and save lives across the region.
Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN): Facilitates secure and robust 5G ecosystems.
AI-ENGAGE: Uses AI and robotics to empower agricultural practices and farmers in the Indo-Pacific.
Quad Fellowship: Supports STEM education and cultural exchanges among member nations.

Security: The Quad strengthens India’s maritime interests, ensuring freedom of navigation and countering piracy. Joint naval exercises boost India’s maritime domain awareness.
Counterbalancing China: The Quad acts as a counterbalance to China’s assertive strategies, such as the “String of Pearls” policy. It aligns with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing ties with East and Southeast Asia.
Other Opportunities: Initiatives like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and Blue Dot Network create avenues for economic cooperation. With industries moving away from China post-COVID-19, India has a chance to position itself as a manufacturing hub.
Scientific Collaboration: Programs like the Quad Fellowship promote innovation and research in STEM fields, furthering India’s scientific edge.
Soft Power Boost: The Quad facilitates people-to-people connections, fostering cultural and academic exchanges, which enhance India’s diplomatic influence.

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