Hindu Editorial Analysis : 7- June -2023
Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the third in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan. The Quad, comprising India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, aims to promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The summit discussed various developments in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and strategic interests.
Origins and Objectives of the Quad:
The Quad traces its origins back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the four countries came together to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to the affected region. While not explicitly stated, a key motive behind the Quad’s formation is to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Highlights of the Hiroshima Summit:
During the summit, the leaders engaged in productive dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. Several initiatives were announced to enhance the resilience and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region:
- Clean Energy Supply Chains Initiative: Aiming to support the region’s energy transition, this initiative will facilitate research and development in clean energy and guide engagement through the Quad Principles of Clean Energy Supply Chains.
- Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Programme: This program will assist policymakers and practitioners in designing, building, and managing sustainable and viable infrastructure in their respective countries.
- Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience: Leveraging the Quad’s expertise, this initiative focuses on securing and diversifying undersea cable networks, essential for communication and connectivity.
- ORAN Deployment in Palau: The Quad pledged support for a small-scale Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) deployment in Palau, marking a significant step in the Pacific region. The leaders also released the ORAN Security Report to encourage investments in secure telecom platforms.
- Quad Investors’ Network: Launched as a private sector-led platform, this network aims to facilitate investments in strategic technologies, fostering innovation and growth.
- Strengthening the Multilateral System: The leaders expressed their commitment to preserving the integrity of the United Nations (UN) and reforming the multilateral system, including expanding the UN Security Council’s membership.
- Advancements in Technology and Security: The Quad outlined new principles pertaining to critical and emerging technologies, clean energy supply chains, and cybersecurity of critical infrastructure. They also emphasized cooperation in Space Situational Awareness and expanding the International Partnership for the Management of Dismantling Satellites (IPMDA) to the Indian Ocean Region.
Progress and Relevance:
The Quad has witnessed significant progress in cooperative partnerships and programs. Its alignment of strategies, principles, and delivery mechanisms has contributed to countering China’s coercive strategies and fostering mutual areas of convergence among member nations. The joint naval exercise, Exercise Malabar, is increasingly recognized as a Quad exercise, with Australia hosting it for the first time in August 2023.
The Quad’s perception has also improved, particularly in Southeast Asia, and has strengthened bilateral cooperation among member countries. This cooperative platform holds immense potential for enhancing regional stability and prosperity.
Future Outlook:
For the Quad to continue its success, it must maintain its focus on delivering outcomes, effectively counter coercive actions, and expand cooperation with organizations such as the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). In the coming months, tangible outcomes are expected, supported by relevant data that showcases the Quad’s contribution to the region’s development.
Why In News
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently attended the third in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, which was rescheduled by four days due to US President Joe Biden’s cancellation of his planned visit to Australia owing to stalled domestic debt ceiling negotiations.
MCQs about Quad Leaders’ Summit
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What is the main objective of the Quad?
A. Promote economic cooperation among member countries.
B. Counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
C. Address climate change challenges in the region.
D. Enhance cultural exchanges and diplomacy.
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Which initiative was announced to support the Indo-Pacific’s energy transition?
A. Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Programme.
B. Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience.
C. Clean Energy Supply Chains Initiative.
D. ORAN Deployment in Palau.
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What is the purpose of the Quad Investors’ Network?
A. Facilitate investments in strategic technologies.
B. Strengthen cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region.
C. Enhance cultural exchanges and tourism.
D. Promote economic development in member countries.
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Which organization was highlighted for cooperation with the Quad?
A. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
B. European Union (EU).
C. United Nations (UN).
D. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
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