A Giant Leap Forward For The Quad

Context: The maiden Quadrilateral Security Dialogue summit of the leaders of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. on March 12 was a defining moment in Asian geopolitics.

Key Highlights from the Summit

• Clarity in Vision: Joint statement upholding interests of all stakeholders
  • “Free and open” Indo-Pacific to please US and Japan.
  • “Free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion” to satisfy India and Australia.
• Adequate alignment of approaches towards China: Acknowledgement of “security challenges” and “the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas”, without naming China per se.
  • Thus, Quad preferred a smart blend of competition, cooperation and confrontation.
• Puts premium on winning the battle for the hearts and minds of people in the Indo-Pacific region: showcasing the benign nature of Quad committed to solutions for their development and well­ being.
  • E.g. COVID-19 vaccines for every person in need in the region upholds commitment to development and solutions.
  • Feasibility: With funding from US and Japan, logistics and some funding from Australia and manufacturing and managerial capabilities of India.
• Establishment of three working groups: On vaccine partnership; climate change; and critical and emerging technologies, to counter the long-term challenge posed by China on technology front.
• Continuity: The leaders have agreed to meet in-person later this year, possibly at an international event within the region.
  • Building habits: Foreign ministers will gather at least once a year; other relevant officials, more often.

Other aspects discussed -

• Chinese response: Claiming India becoming “a negative asset of BRICS and SCO”.
• Commitment to the “complete de-nuclearization” of North Korea: As per the United Nations Security Council resolutions was reiterated.
• On Myanmar issue: The call “to restore democracy and the priority of strengthening democratic resilience” is unexceptionable.

Way Forward:  Time to back political commitment with a strong mix of resolve, energy, stamina and the fresh ideas of stakeholders and experts outside of government to fulfil the promise of the Quad.