Why Quad? If we have to answer this question in a single word, it’s China.
The US and its allies share their concerns over China’s growing global economic clout and military infrastructure — particularly the militarization of islands in the South China Sea. Also, Russia’s war in Ukraine has increased the perception that China could invade Taiwan.
Three among the Quad nations, the US, Japan, and Australia, are allies even before the formation of the Quad and have their sticky points with China. Therefore, the very idea of Quad appears designed to bring India along, counter Chinese influence in the region, and thwart any misadventure by China in the future.
Geographically, India and China share a 3488 km-long land border. On multiple points, both nations have unsettled border issues. Also, China’s collaboration with Pakistan, and its Belt and Road initiative, which India sees as a violation of its sovereignty, are major frictions between India and China. So despite a robust bilateral trade ($126,7 billion in 2021), their relationship is not smooth. In recent times, there have been skirmishes on the Sino-Indian border involving each other’s armed personnel. Notably, the 15th June 2020 clash in the Glawan valley resulted in casualties on both sides.
India may not be seeking military support to thwart a potential conflict with China, but it wants the international community to, at minimum, spell out Chinese incursions as illegal. After the Galwan clash, there was furor among Indians. Many began voicing boycott of Chinese products in India.
Given the premise of discord between the Asian neighbors, the West sees the alliance with India also serving its interest. And India is definitely a competing force to China in the Pacific region, both economically and militarily.
However, the tricky wicket between US allies and India is India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its long-standing friendship with Russia. Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began, India has consistently abstained from voting against Russia in the United Nations and stuck to its neutral stand, seeking a dialogue between the warring nations to end the military conflict. And it has not bowed down to western pressure to stop trade with Russia.
Nonetheless, the US and its Asian and European allies are trying to iron out this difference with India, move it away from Russia, and cut down its dependency on Russian military hardware over time. But, for now, despite India’s stand on Russia, the Quad nations want India in their alliance for strategic reasons against China.
Image Source: Reuters