Context:
The Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) witnessed a period of strategic pause in 2025 due to geopolitical shifts and leadership transitions, including the return of President Donald Trump.
Key Highlights
Geopolitical Developments
- No Leader-level Quad Summit held in 2025 (India was to host).
• U.S. Foreign Minister-level meetings held in January and July 2025.
• Diplomatic efforts underway for summit in early 2026.
Operational Initiatives Continued
- Quad-at-Sea: Ship Observer Mission operationalized in June 2025.
• Ports of the Future Partnership first meeting held in Mumbai (October 2025).
• Malabar Naval Exercise conducted in Guam.
Strategic Context
- Quad revival began in 2017.
• Focus on Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
• Emphasis on rules-based international order.
Significance
- Maritime cooperation enhances Indo-Pacific security architecture.
• Addresses concerns over China’s assertiveness.
• Infrastructure and port cooperation boosts economic connectivity.
Relevant Prelims Points
- Quad Members – India, USA, Japan, Australia.
• Malabar Exercise – Naval exercise involving Quad members.
• Indo-Pacific – Strategic maritime region linking Indian & Pacific Oceans.
• Rules-Based Order – System governed by international norms and laws.
• Strategic Convergence – Alignment of national interests.
Relevant Mains Points
- International Relations
- Quad’s evolution from consultative forum to operational maritime grouping.
• Leadership summits critical for high-level strategic coordination.
- Maritime Security
- Enhances domain awareness and Coast Guard cooperation.
• Counters non-traditional threats (piracy, trafficking).
- Challenges
- Domestic political shifts in member countries.
• Risk of Quad being perceived as anti-China bloc.
• Need for institutionalization beyond leadership personalities.
- India’s Strategic Interests
- Strengthens India’s role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
• Balances strategic autonomy with multilateral alignment.
Way Forward
- Institutionalize Quad mechanisms beyond summits.
• Expand cooperation in technology, supply chains, climate resilience.
• Maintain inclusivity to avoid bloc politics perception.
• Sustain diplomatic engagement to ensure summit-level continuity.
UPSC Relevance
- GS 2 – International Relations
• Prelims: Quad facts, Malabar exercise
• Mains: Indo-Pacific strategy, multilateral diplomacy