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.