- By Ajeet Kumar
- Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
What is Quad? The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal strategic alliance of four nations-- the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. Established in 2007, the main objective was to promote a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Quad operates through regular meetings, summits, information exchanges, and joint military exercises, fostering cooperation among these maritime democracies.
How was Quad formed?
The Quad began in 2007, initiated by the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Its roots trace back to the 2004 Tsunami, when India led relief efforts, joined by the US, Japan, and Australia. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the Quad, though China issued diplomatic protests against it. Australia briefly withdrew in 2008 due to Chinese pressure and US-China tensions but rejoined naval exercises in 2010.
In 2012, Abe proposed the "Democratic Security Diamond" concept, and formal Quad talks resumed in 2017 in the Philippines.
Why was Quad formed?
The Quad seeks to ensure open sea routes in the Indo-Pacific, free from military or political coercion, countering Chinese influence. It promotes a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation, and a liberal trading system while offering alternative debt financing for Indo-Pacific nations. The group addresses global issues like critical technologies, infrastructure, cybersecurity, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change, pandemics, and education.
Why is Quad significant for India?
For India, the Quad serves as a strategic counter to China’s growing economic and military influence. It provides potential support in border conflicts with China and enhances India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific through naval cooperation. In current perspective, India needs a platform where it can expose Pakistan and its "terror factory" based in the border regions. As China defends Pakistan for harbouring terrorists, the gathering would provide New Delhi an opportunity to uncover Beijing nefarious agenda against India.
Why is Quad currently in the news?
The Quad foreign ministers met in Washington under the Donald Trump administration, reaffirming their commitment to regional security and supply chains, but face challenges due to the US's unilateral agendas and uncertainty over the bloc's future. Currently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Washington to attend the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting. It is expected that he would pitch India's concerns and expose Pakistan for orchestrating a deadly attack in Pahalgam.