Day 47 – Q. 4. “The evolution of the Quad from a maritime security grouping to a broader economic and strategic platform reflects changing Indo-Pacific realities. In this context, critically assess the relevance of the Quad for India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q. 4. “The evolution of the Quad from a maritime security grouping to a broader economic and strategic platform reflects changing Indo-Pacific realities. In this context, critically assess the relevance of the Quad for India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction 

The Quad began in 2004 as a tsunami response mechanism and was formalised in 2007 under Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s leadership. It has since expanded beyond security into a  strategic partnership aligned with India’s regional goals. 

Body

Quad’s Evolution: From Security Grouping to Strategic Partnership 

1. Early military focus: Initial emphasis was on maritime security and naval exercises like  Malabar to counter regional threats. 
2. Formalisation in 2007: Shinzo Abe championed Quad as a strategic vision among four  democracies. 
3. Expansion post-COVID: Shift towards economic cooperation, critical tech, health, and  climate response marked a functional broadening. 
4. 2023 Vision Statement: ‘Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific’ formalised Quad’s long term, non-military strategic role. 
5. Working structure: Six thematic working groups on climate, cyber, health, infrastructure,  tech, and space guide its functional agenda. 

Relevance of Quad for India 

1. Strategic alignment without alliance: Informal nature of Quad preserves India’s  autonomy while enhancing security cooperation. 
2. Counter to China’s influence: Helps India respond to China’s maritime assertiveness and  infrastructure diplomacy in the region. 
3. Economic cooperation: Initiatives like QUIN, Ports of the Future, and clean energy chains  align with India’s development goals. 
4. Technology & innovation: Open RAN, semiconductor cooperation, and space data sharing  benefit India’s digital and scientific ecosystem. 
5. Disaster & health support: Logistics network, cancer moonshot, and health partnerships  build India’s soft power and resilience. 

Challenges Faced by Quad 

1. Lack of institutional structure: No formal treaty or secretariat limits Quad’s crisis  response capability. 
2. Unequal burden-sharing: Varying economic capacities and strategic commitment lead to  implementation gaps. 
3. Conflicting external ties: India’s SCO, Russia ties and Australia’s China trade ties create  internal contradictions. 
4. Speculations of Asian NATO: Security-heavy focus has triggered geopolitical concerns,  especially from China. 
5. Diverging China strategies: India sees China as a rival; others manage economic  dependencies while opposing militarism. 

India’s Specific Concerns 

1. Geopolitical balancing: Quad engagement may strain ties with Iran and ASEAN members  wary of bloc politics. 
2. Indian Ocean vs Pacific focus: India’s primary interests lie in the Indian Ocean, while  others tilt towards Pacific. 
3. Strategic ambiguity: Lack of clear Indo-Pacific doctrine within India creates misalignment  with Quad’s broader goals. 

Way Forward for Strengthening Quad 

1. Clear Indo-Pacific strategy: Quad should harmonise economic and security goals to  reassure regional players. 
2. Membership expansion: Including Indonesia, Singapore can improve legitimacy and  regional ownership. 
3. Strengthen India’s maritime doctrine: India needs a comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy  integrating naval, diplomatic, and economic dimensions. 
4. Institutionalise Quad coordination: Establishing a Quad Secretariat or working group  mechanism can streamline action and ensure continuity. 

Conclusion

Quad’s evolution into a strategic platform provides India with economic, technological, and  geopolitical leverage. As EAM Jaishankar aptly noted, “The Quad is for something, not  against someone”—underscoring its constructive and inclusive character.