Referred to as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), Quad is an informal grouping consisting of four nations- Australia, Japan, India, United States (US) which has been focussing on collaboration towards a liberated, accessible, thriving, and diverse Indo-Pacific region, especially in response to China’s escalating display of military strength in the area. The Quad Foreign Ministers on 22nd September 2023 convened in New York on the side-lines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The summit witnessed recommitment to advancing the vision initially outlined by Quad leaders in Hiroshima on 20 May 2023[1], which envisions Indo-Pacific as a peaceful and prosperous region, characterized by stability and security, devoid of intimidation and coercion, and where disputes are settled in accordance with international law. It was followed by an expression of deep concern over the war raging in Ukraine resulting in a consequential humanitarian crisis, a call for a reformed UN Security Council and issue of an impassioned plea for progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
A joint readout was issued following the meeting’s conclusion in which the Quad’s ministers reiterated their unwavering support for the UN and stressed “the enduring importance of upholding mutually determined rules, norms, and standards, and to deepen Quad cooperation in the international system”[2], as mentioned in the statement. It restated its endorsement of principles such as respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law and condemned unilateral attempts to change the status quo. Although interestingly Quad members have asserted that their grouping is not driven by shared anxieties about China, it is conspicuous that the major driving force behind the Quad and the alignment of New Delhi, Canberra, Tokyo and Washington DC is Beijing’s belligerence.[3] The principles emphasised in the readout underscore this reality, as they point out China’s unilateral actions in altering the status quo, violating international laws, contributing to instability in the Indo-Pacific, asserting expansive and unlawful maritime claims, and encroaching on the sovereignty of neighbouring nations.
The Quad foreign ministers also assessed the pledges to enhance collaboration and reaffirmed commitment to make progress on initiatives related to climate change and clean energy supply chains, as well as infrastructure projects through programs such as the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program and the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. This is an indication that the Quad countries are cultivating patterns of collaboration across diverse areas, some of which fall within the scope of traditional security concerns, while many others are not typically categorised as security issues but are expected to have significant security consequences.
Understanding the current Quad’s alignment with India’s foreign policy is straightforward. Partnering with like-minded actors enables India to influence the region while preserving its autonomy to collaborate with various actors as well as Quad’s emphasis on non-traditional security matters enables India to establish itself as a prominent power in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. Finally, the Quad provides India with a means to exert pressure on China, when necessary, all the while avoiding unnecessary escalation of tensions with its northern neighbour beyond what is considered a calculated risk.
India is set to host the Quad Summit in 2024[4], as was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Quad Summit 2023 at Hiroshima in Japan. This event holds significant importance for India, following the recently concluded G-20 Summit, which was wrapped up with great enthusiasm and was lauded as a resounding success. Another summit featuring influential global leaders from a substantial bloc in New Delhi will bolster and elevate India’s standing as a crucial and essential partner in the Indo-Pacific and other critical regions worldwide. This event will reinforce India’s reputation as a responsible and influential nation, particularly in addressing humanitarian and territorial challenges.
End Notes:
[1] The White House, “Quad Leaders’ Summit Fact Sheet”, May 20, 2023, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/quad-leaders-summit-fact-sheet/
[2] US Department of State, “Joint Readout of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York”, September 22, 2023, https://www.state.gov/joint-readout-of-the-quad-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-new-york/
[3] Prashant Jha, “In New York, Quad foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific”, Hindustan Times, September 2022, 2023https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-new-york-quad-foreign-ministers-reaffirm-commitment-to-indopacific-101695406293159.html
[4] ‘India to host Quad Summit next year, PM Narendra Modi says”, The Economic Times, May 20, 2023, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-to-host-quad-summit-next-year-pm-narendra-modi-says/articleshow/100381025.cms?from=mdr
Author: Nandini Agarwal, Research Intern, CS3 USI