• The grouping of four democracies – India, Australia, US and Japan – known as the quadrilateral security dialogue or quad, was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. Quad was revived in 2017. 
• The QUAD partners share a commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on shared values and principles and respect for international law.
• There is a focus on practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian and disaster relief, with the objective of promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected Indo-Pacific region.
• With growing concerns in all four quad countries about Chinese foreign policy and regional influence, the group has found renewed relevance. 

Why in News?

• Terming the Quad grouping as a “diplomatic arrangement”, visiting U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Samuel J. Paparo said that strategy always follows policy and the four Navies have embarked upon an effort to increase the total sum of our collaboration at sea with particular focus on information sharing, maritime patrol, undersea domain awareness and all the elements a Naval power can bring upon to bear.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/quad-grouping-a-diplomatic-arrangement-says-visiting-us-admiral/article65094870.ece