The fourth in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit brought together Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Fumio Kishida of Japan, and Anthony Albanese of Australia, along with US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. This year’s summit held particular significance as it served as a ‘farewell’ gathering for both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida before their respective departures from office.
But what is the Quad, and why is it so important? The Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a diplomatic partnership formed by Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. The partnership, formally known as the ‘Quad’, emphasizes its diplomatic rather than purely security-focused nature. While South Korea has expressed interest in joining the group, US officials have indicated no current plans to expand membership. However, the Quad has held ‘Quad-plus’ meetings including South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam, hinting at potential future partnerships.
The Quad’s primary objective is to promote stability and prosperity within the Indo-Pacific region. The group is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific, addressing critical challenges like climate change, infrastructure development, and security threats. The Quad’s agenda includes a wide range of initiatives focusing on health security, climate change, infrastructure development, critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, space, maritime security, countering disinformation, and counter-terrorism.
The Quad’s origins can be traced back to the collaborative response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where the four countries united to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected region. It was formalized in 2007 by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the first meeting taking place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, the group went dormant for nearly a decade due to Australian concerns about potentially irritating China, a major player in the region. Australia withdrew from the forum in 2008 due to perceived political pressure from China.
The Quad was resurrected in 2017, reflecting a shift in regional attitudes towards China’s growing influence. The Quad leaders held their first formal summit in 2021, followed by a virtual meeting in March of the same year. With its commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the Quad continues to be a significant force in shaping regional dynamics.
