Quad grouping

• 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?

• China’s government criticised the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and accused Washington of trying to sow discord in the region, ahead of upcoming Quad meet in Tokyo.

Reference:

https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-quad