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Special Content


Issue no 27, 05 - 11 October 2024

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit Key Takeaways and Strategic Implications Ritesh Kumar On September 21, 2024, the 6th Quad Leaders' Summit convened in Wilmington, Delaware in U.S.A., hosted by President Mr. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. This summit brought together Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Mr. Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Mr. Kishida Fumio of Japan to reinforce the Quad's commitment to global cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the significance of advancing democratic values during a time of global conflict, stating, "We are not against anybody. All of us support a rules-based international order," encapsulating the Quad's foundational principles, focusing on sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful dispute resolution. The establishment of a bipartisan Congressional Quad Caucus in the United States reflects a growing institutionalisation of the Quad's objectives. This development is crucial for ensuring sustained political support and funding for Quad initiatives. Quad Cancer Moonshot: The Quad has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at addressing pressing challenges and enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors in the Indo-Pacific. One of the foremost initiatives, the Quad Cancer Moonshot, is set to make significant strides in reducing cancer mortality, particularly focusing on cervical cancer. This effort underscores the Quad's commitment to public health and regional health security. Complementing this is the Quad Health Security Partnership, which emphasises pandemic preparedness through continuous training for health professionals and coordinated public health emergency responses. HADR: In terms of humanitarian aid, the Quad has pledged over $5 million for disaster relief efforts in Papua New Guinea following recent landslides. This initiative emphasises improved coordination in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), showcasing the Quad's readiness for future natural disasters through strategic pre-positioning of essential supplies. IPMDA: Maritime security remains a priority, highlighted by the introduction of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). This initiative aims to enhance monitoring capabilities among regional partners to combat illegal fishing and enforce laws within exclusive economic zones. Additionally, the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) seeks to strengthen maritime law enforcement capabilities, reinforcing the Quad's commitment to regional security. Strengthening Digital Connectivity: The Quad's commitment of over $140 million to enhance undersea cable networks reflects the critical importance of digital infrastructure for regional security and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Undersea cables are essential for global internet connectivity, carrying about 99% of international data traffic and their enhancement is vital for robust communication channels that facilitate trade, education and healthcare. This investment also aims to fortify these networks against cyber threats and geopolitical tensions, ensuring secure and reliable communication. By promoting collaboration among Quad nations, the initiative fosters innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and climate resilience while addressing the digital divide, particularly in Pacific island nations with limited connectivity. Overall, this commitment underscores the interconnectedness of technology and security, positioning the Quad as a key player in building a more connected and resilient Indo-Pacific region. Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission (2025): This mission aims to enhance interoperability and maritime safety among the Coast Guards of Quad nations, addressing the increasing need for coordinated maritime security. By fostering collaboration and information-sharing, the initiative will improve incident response times and bolster surveillance capabilities, ultimately contributing to a safer maritime environment and reinforcing the commitment to a rules-based order. Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network Pilot Project: This project seeks to establish shared airlift capacity among member nations to enhance disaster response capabilities. By leveraging collective logistics strengths, the Quad can ensure more efficient humanitarian assistance, reflecting a strategic approach to operational readiness and resilience amid emerging challenges. Quad Ports of the Future Partnership: This partnership is focused on developing sustainable and resilient port infrastructure, sharing best practices to enhance operational capacity and ensure effective trade conduits. By addressing vulnerabilities, this initiative is vital for sustaining economic growth and maintaining robust supply chains. Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation: This initiative aims to enhance resilience in semiconductor supply chains, addressing geopolitical risks and promoting diversification. By strengthening cooperation among Quad partners, it supports economic stability and aligns with broader technological and security goals. Reform of the UN Security Council: The leaders' agreement on UN Security Council reform reflects a commitment to multilateralism and a desire for a more representative and effective global governance structure. This initiative seeks to enhance the legitimacy and efficiency of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure: These principles promote equitable access and improved public service delivery, fostering innovation and competition. By establishing a framework for digital infrastructure, the Quad aims to enhance governance and contribute to sustainable development across the region. Collectively, these initiatives showcase the Quad's strategic vision for a resilient and cooperative Indo-Pacific region. By addressing maritime security, disaster response, infrastructure development and digital equity, the Quad positions itself as a pivotal player in promoting regional stability and prosperity. Furthermore, the Quad is committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation, with notable initiatives in telecommunications and agriculture, emphasising collaboration in clean energy and cyber-security. As the Quad continues to expand its scope to include vital issues like climate change and counterterrorism, it is clear that this coalition of nations is committed to fostering a secure and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating a comprehensive app-roach to contemporary global challenges. Quad's Commitment to a Free and Fair Indo-Pacific The Quad has firmly reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, especially in the face of increasing global tensions and aggressive actions from China. Addressing the 6th Quad Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised that the Quad is "not against anybody," underlining the grouping's dedication to promoting a rules-based international order that upholds sovereignty and encourages peaceful resolutions to disputes. This statement is particularly relevant in the context of the South China Sea, where the leaders expressed serious concerns regarding China's militarisation and coercive maneuvers, which threaten regional stability. The joint statement from the summit explicitly condemned such aggressive behaviors, emphasising the importance of adhering to international law, particularly as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The leaders collectively called for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and reaffirmed support for the 2016 Arbitral Award concerning the South China Sea, which is a significant milestone in addressing these challenges. In addition to addressing security concerns, the Quad leaders announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnerships in the region. These include enhancing collaboration among Coast Guards and providing new maritime technologies to regional partners, enabling them to better monitor their waters. Furthermore, the expansion of the Quad Fellowship to include students from South-East Asia aims to promote educational exchanges and foster a deeper understanding of democratic values among future leaders. Overall, the Quad's commitment to regional stability, democratic principles and cooperation signifies its enduring presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the notion that, despite the challenges ahead, the Quad is dedicated to supporting a prosperous and secure future for the region. India to Host 7th Quad Summit India hosting the 7th Quad Summit in 2025 signifies a pivotal moment for the nation, enhancing its stature as a key player in regional geopolitics and multilateral diplomacy. This opportunity not only underscores India's leadership within the Quad alliance but also reflects its commitment to fostering a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. By convening this summit, India can showcase its strategic priorities, strengthen bilateral ties with fellow member nations and address pressing global challenges such as security, climate change and technological collaboration. The summit will serve as a platform for India to assert its role in shaping the future of the region, reinforcing its influence on international affairs and deepening partnerships that align with its vision of a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Origins and Evolution of quad From Dialogue to Partnership The Quad was first convened in 2007 to promote cooperation among the four democracies, but it gained renewed momentum in 2017 due to rising concerns about China's assertiveness in the region. By 2021, the Quad had evolved into a broader partnership, marked by the first Leaders' Summit, focusing not just on security but also on global challenges like vaccine distribution, critical technologies and climate action. The Quad's expanded agenda reflects its commitment to both regional stability and global good. Its key initiatives include: • Indo-Pacific Security: Through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), the Quad supports regional security by providing real-time data to counter illegal maritime activities and enhance local capacities. • Climate Action: The Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) and the Clean Energy Supply Chains Initiative aim to foster sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific and promote green technologies. • Technological Leadership: The Quad prioritises critical technologies like AI and cybersecurity, exemplified by the Open RAN pilot in Palau and the Quad Investors' Network (QUIN), positioning the group as a leader in shaping the region's digital future. • Health Security: Evolving from its initial Vaccine Partnership, the Quad now addresses broader health security concerns, strengthening public health systems in the Indo-Pacific. • Infrastructure and Connectivity: Through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, the group aims to enhance digital and physical connectivity in the region, supporting sustainable infrastructure development. Global and Regional Significance The Quad's inclusive approach extends beyond its core members, engaging with ASEAN through the Quad ASEAN Working Group to align its initiatives with regional priorities. By promoting cooperation on critical global issues, the Quad reinforces its role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific and contributes to broader global efforts. The Quad's evolution from a security dialogue to a comprehensive partnership reflects its adaptability and growing relevance. From maritime security to climate action and health resilience, the Quad is a pivotal platform addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. Its continued cooperation positions it as a key player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and promoting a more stable, inclusive and rules-based global order. India Pledges $7.5 million to Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative India has announced its participation in the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a significant effort to combat cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. Building on the US Cancer Moonshot Programme, founded by President Mr. Joe Biden and First Lady Mrs. Jill Biden, this initiative signifies a pivotal moment in global cooperation to prevent cancer deaths and enhance patient care. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pledged $7.5 million for cancer testing, screening and diagnostics, particularly targeting cervical cancer-a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the Indo-Pacific, which claims approximately 1,50,000 lives annually. This commitment reflects India's dedication to improving health outcomes and its role as a global leader in healthcare. The Cancer Moonshot Initiative, originally launched in 2016 under President Mr. Barack Obama, aims to accelerate cancer research and improve patient care. Under President Mr. Joe Biden, the goals have been refined to prevent over four million cancer deaths by 2047 and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients. The Quad countries-India, the US, Japan and Australia-have collectively committed over $150 million to strengthen HPV screenings and cancer therapeutics, fostering partnerships among hospitals, research centers and cancer foundations. India's robust healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical capabilities will be crucial in supporting these goals. Having demonstrated leadership in vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic, India plans to contribute 40 million vaccines under Quad and Gavi initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to health equity in the region. This initiative embodies India's vision of human-centric development, emphasising collaboration to ensure accessible cancer prevention and treatment for all, regardless of geography or economic status. By participating in the Quad Cancer Moonshot, India aims to enhance its role in global health governance, addressing significant health crises and contributing to a healthier Indo-Pacific. (The author is a Delhi-based correspondent of an international multi-media platform. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback. employmentnews@gmail.com) Views expressed are personal.