• The grouping of four democracies India, Australia, US and Japan– known as the quadrilateral security dialogue or quad came into force on November 12, 2017 on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit at Manila.
• AIM– All four nations find a common ground of being the democratic nations and common interests of unhindered maritime trade and security.

Significance of QUAD

• QUAD grouping is considered a very important grouping especially for maritime security and countering the aggressive nature of China especially in the Indo-pacific region.
• China’s aggressive nature has affected almost all the quad countries and this grouping can be a pushback for China for its commission and omission tricks.
• Eg- Trade war between USA and China, Ladakh border issue for India etc.
• There are various issues pertaining to China like restricted freedom of navigation, resolution of disputes by showing aggressive nature, being biased on rule of law etc. for which quad can act as a shield towards Chinese presence.

Way Forward

• The quad can expand its grouping towards other countries as well to maintain maritime security in Indo-pacific region.
• Eg- Vietnam, France, EU countries etc.
• The quad (+) plus mechanism can be formed for specific issues and the 2+2 dialogue mechanism can become instruments of redressal of disputes.

Conclusion

• The Indo-pacific region is very crucial from the strategic point of view and can be made a free, open, inclusive and transparent region possibly via quad mechanism.

Reference:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE3-BsiT5Ls&list=PLcDghvQhYD9IOCPeVG4pQvLDCuTCit_D8&index=6