A New Dimension

CONTEXT:  Recently, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) stated that India believes the QUAD would be a “good mechanism” to “ensure Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONOPs) in the Indian Ocean and surrounding oceans.

Reasons for need Military Engagement with QUAD.

• To ensure there is no “fear of any other nation singularly trying to dominate the oceans”, with reference to China

• China’s Incursions in Ladakh and its refusal to implement border agreements

Some Constraints related Militarisation to Quad

• Lack of experience: Indian Navy has not taken part in any joint patrols outside of the Indian Ocean, and even within it, held its first one, with France, only recently. 

• Inclusion of Australia in Malabar exercise: India has not yet formally announced a decision to include Australia with the U.S. and Japan

• Risks of change in stance: Previously India sees the Indo-Pacific as a “geographical concept”, not a “strategy or a club of limited members”, requiring an enquiry on changed circumstances.

• For, E.g. India is the only country in the Quad that shares a land boundary with China, and it is unclear how the militarization of the Quad in Indo-Pacific waters would alleviate the territorial threat it faces.

• Contradictory statements by the CDS and External Affairs Minister over alliance:

• For, E.g. while the CDS insists on QUAD engagement, the minister has declared that India neither was nor will be a part of an alliance system. 

Conclusion: India should make clear its view of Quad engagement