Foreign Policy Watch: Indo-Pacific and QUAD

Quad meet launches maritime and health initiatives

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Significance of QUAD;

Why in the News?

The recent summit of the Quad leaders resulted in several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among the member countries—India, the United States, Australia, and Japan.

What are the initiatives taken by QUAD?

  • Quad Cancer Moonshot: This initiative focuses on combating cervical cancer, with India committing $10 million for screening efforts. The Serum Institute of India and Gavi aim to provide up to 40 million vaccines for the region, pending regulatory approvals.
  • Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: Scheduled for 2025, this mission aims to enhance interoperability and maritime safety among Quad nations.
  • Logistics Network Pilot Project: This project will facilitate the sharing of airlift capacity among Quad countries to support disaster response efforts across the region.
  • Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): This initiative focuses on training Quad partners to monitor and secure their waters, enforce laws, and deter unlawful behavior. India is set to host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025.
  • Maritime Legal Dialogue: A new dialogue has been launched to uphold a rules-based order in maritime operations, condemning aggressive actions, particularly those related to China.

What is MAITRI? 

  • MAITRI, or Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific, is a program designed to enhance the maritime capabilities of Quad partners.

Its implications include:

  • Capacity Building: By training personnel from partner nations, MAITRI aims to improve their ability to monitor and secure their maritime territories effectively.
  • Enhanced Cooperation: The initiative fosters closer collaboration among Quad countries in maritime security, which is crucial given rising tensions in regions like the South China Sea.
  • Regional Stability: By equipping nations with better tools and knowledge to enforce maritime laws and deter unlawful activities, MAITRI contributes to greater stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

What is the effectiveness of QUAD in recent times?

  • Condemnation of Aggression: The Quad has taken a strong stance against aggression in the East and South China Seas, signaling unity among member states regarding regional security concerns.
  • Support for Ukraine: The leaders expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to international law, showcasing a collective approach to global issues beyond regional security.
  • Expanded Fellowship Programs: The Quad fellowship program has been expanded to include additional scholarships for STEM education, reflecting a commitment to educational collaboration and capacity building in science and technology.
  • Focus on Health Initiatives: The launch of the Quad Cancer Moonshot demonstrates a proactive approach towards public health challenges, particularly in addressing cervical cancer through international cooperation.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration: Quad nations should deepen cooperation through initiatives like MAITRI and the Quad-at-Sea mission to enhance maritime security, law enforcement, and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring stability amidst regional tensions.
  • Expand Multilateral Health and Development Programs: Building on the success of initiatives like the Quad Cancer Moonshot, the Quad should further invest in collaborative healthcare, disaster response, and capacity-building projects to address pressing global challenges and strengthen resilience across member states.

Mains PYQ:

Q  Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥Mentorship December Batch Launch
💥💥Mentorship December Batch Launch