Quad brings together four countries – India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient. It is focused on delivering outcomes for the Indo-Pacific, in response to the region’s priorities and most pressing challenges. Quad countries are working together to strengthen maritime and transnational security, promote economic security and prosperity, harness critical and emerging technologies, strengthen cyber security, and bolster our ability to respond to regional emergencies.
Members: Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S
Nature: An informal strategic partnership and an alliance of maritime democracies.
Key Summits: Annual Quad Leaders’ Summits and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
Global Footprint: Represents-
- 24% of the world’s population,
- 35% of global GDP
- 18% of global trade
Explained
Formally the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Quad began as a loose partnership after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the four countries joined together to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to the affected region. It was formalised by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, but then fell dormant for nearly a decade, particularly amid Australian concerns that its participation in the group would irritate China.
The group was resurrected in 2017, reflecting changing attitudes in the region toward China’s growing influence.
Quad focuses on contemporary issues and challenges such as health security, climate change, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure and debt sustainability, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and strengthening the maritime domain awareness of regional countries.
FAQs
Q1. What is QUAD?
QUAD, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic group of India, the USA, Japan, and Australia, focused on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Q2.What is QUAD Plus?
QUAD Plus refers to the expansion of QUAD engagement to include like-minded partners.
Q3. Is QUAD a formal organization?
No, QUAD is an informal grouping. It has no charter, secretariat, or treaty obligations, unlike NATO or the UN.
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