Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
Introduction
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is the informal strategic dialogue between India, the
USA, Japan, and Australia. The Quad was established, primarily as a strategic bloc, to counter China’s
aggressive stance in the South China Sea.
However, Quad’s shared objective to support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific
region could also form the basis of a trade agreement and turn it into a major trade bloc.
Transformation of Quad Into A Trade Bloc
1. Complex Interdependence: In the world of complex interdependence whereby nations have
trade dependency over each other or collective responsibility of global commons, a military
bloc reminiscent of the cold war era seems quite outdated.
In this context, it is more plausible that Quad member countries envision themselves
from a geo-economic prism.
Also, a military bloc may bring all great powers (US, China, India, Russia) to the brink of a
war, which is not in the interest of these countries and global peace.
2. Inclusive Indo-Pacific Region: Quad member countries agreed that a free, open, prosperous,
and inclusive Indo-Pacific region will serve the long-term interests of all countries in the
region and of the world at large.
3. Common Challenges: Quad also envisages addressing the common challenges of terrorism
and proliferation linkages impacting the region, as well as on enhancing connectivity.
4. Blue Dot Network: It is a multi-stakeholder initiative (led by the US along with Japan and
Australia) to bring together governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote
high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.
It could directly counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
5. Tackling Global Challenges: Challenges emanating from Covid-19 highlighted the need for
improving the resilience of supply chains and self-sufficiency also.
In this context, the transformation of Quad into a trade bloc can help tackle future
global challenges more effectively.
Way Forward
Need For Clear Vision: The Quad nations need to better explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an
overarching framework with the objective of advancing everyone’s economic and security
interests.
o This will reassure the littoral States that the Quad will be a factor for the regional
benefit, and a far cry from Chinese allegations that it is some sort of a military
alliance.
Integration of Projects: The connectivity projects of Quad member countries (the US’ Indo-
pacific economic corridor, Japan’s Asia-Africa Economic Corridor, India’s Project Mausam)
should be integrated to be more proactive in pushing ahead the vision of connectivity.
Expanding Quad: The Quad should focus on building a robust regional consultation
mechanism and coordinate with ASEAN nations on issues of regional importance.
Conclusion
If ever a Quad trade agreement were to become a reality, a reduction in trade costs would
go a long way towards fulfilling the economic potential of the alliance. However, there is a need to
put the military component and the economic component together. This will help Quad to emerge
as a very strong alliance as without military muscle all other fields cannot be excelled.
