International Relations: September 2021 Current Affairs | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

 Page 1


 
9                                                                                                                                                                       
Related news 
China's new maritime law comes into force 
• As per this law, foreign vessels will have to submit 
details to Chinese authorities when transiting through 
its 'territorial waters'. 
o This claim is contested by its neighbours in the 
region and by US. 
o The waters around China are hotly contested. Under 
a “nine-dash line” map, China claims most of the 
South China Sea (SCS) as its sovereign territory. 
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
2.1. FIRST QUAD SUMMIT 
Why in News? 
Recently, first ever in-person meeting of the Quad was held. 
About Quad 
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal association of 
India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The group met for the 
first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
o Its origin can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar 
and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue 
operations for itself and neighboring countries and was later 
joined by the US, Japan and Australia.  
• Set up to counter the growing might of China economically and 
militarily, this version eventually dissipated in 2008. 
o The lack of a common approach and vision was considered a 
primary reason for the partnership’s demise in 2008.  
o India was particularly sensitive to China’s reaction at the time 
given its desire for a Nuclear Suppliers’ Group waiver. Also, there 
have been doubts about the utility of a quadrilateral since India 
already has trilaterals with Japan and the U.S., and Australia and 
Japan.  
• In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four 
countries revived the Quad. Quad 2.0 is the outcome of substantial 
groundwork over the 2017-2021 period. 
o The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global 
order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system.  
o It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the 
forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, 
information exchanges and military drills of all the member 
countries. 
Significance of Quad for India 
• Balancing China’s influence: If Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad 
nations. 
o India is working with Quad partners to offer 
alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 
project that undermines India’s territorial 
sovereignty and regional primacy. 
• Rising importance of Indo-Pacific: Due to its favorable 
topographical location and peninsular geography, 
India has widespread trade and cultural connections 
with the Indo-Pacific littorals. QUAD provides India 
with a powerful platform to advance East Asia’s 
interests and further strengthen its Act East policy. 
o Also, it promotes inclusivity in the region by participating in various forums like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, 
Indian Ocean Commission etc. 
Page 2


 
9                                                                                                                                                                       
Related news 
China's new maritime law comes into force 
• As per this law, foreign vessels will have to submit 
details to Chinese authorities when transiting through 
its 'territorial waters'. 
o This claim is contested by its neighbours in the 
region and by US. 
o The waters around China are hotly contested. Under 
a “nine-dash line” map, China claims most of the 
South China Sea (SCS) as its sovereign territory. 
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
2.1. FIRST QUAD SUMMIT 
Why in News? 
Recently, first ever in-person meeting of the Quad was held. 
About Quad 
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal association of 
India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The group met for the 
first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
o Its origin can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar 
and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue 
operations for itself and neighboring countries and was later 
joined by the US, Japan and Australia.  
• Set up to counter the growing might of China economically and 
militarily, this version eventually dissipated in 2008. 
o The lack of a common approach and vision was considered a 
primary reason for the partnership’s demise in 2008.  
o India was particularly sensitive to China’s reaction at the time 
given its desire for a Nuclear Suppliers’ Group waiver. Also, there 
have been doubts about the utility of a quadrilateral since India 
already has trilaterals with Japan and the U.S., and Australia and 
Japan.  
• In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four 
countries revived the Quad. Quad 2.0 is the outcome of substantial 
groundwork over the 2017-2021 period. 
o The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global 
order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system.  
o It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the 
forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, 
information exchanges and military drills of all the member 
countries. 
Significance of Quad for India 
• Balancing China’s influence: If Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad 
nations. 
o India is working with Quad partners to offer 
alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 
project that undermines India’s territorial 
sovereignty and regional primacy. 
• Rising importance of Indo-Pacific: Due to its favorable 
topographical location and peninsular geography, 
India has widespread trade and cultural connections 
with the Indo-Pacific littorals. QUAD provides India 
with a powerful platform to advance East Asia’s 
interests and further strengthen its Act East policy. 
o Also, it promotes inclusivity in the region by participating in various forums like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, 
Indian Ocean Commission etc. 
 
10                                                                                                                                                                       
• Evolving Foreign policy strategy: Aligning with like-minded countries without making a formal alliance or 
discounting its relationship with countries outside Quad is a hallmark of India’s evolving foreign policy strategy. 
• Supplementing India’s defense capabilities: Cooperation in the field of defence among Quad members through 
joint patrols, exchange of strategic information, etc. can help India overcome its limitations pertaining to finances, 
naval capacity, military reconnaissance, and technological and surveillance capabilities. 
• Additional collaboration on emerging threats: Additional collaboration can be expected in the cyber, space and 
maritime domains to enhance surveillance and deterrence. All four states have been the subject of extensive and 
persistent cyberattacks emanating from nation-state-supported institutions, notably from China. 
Challenges for Quad 
• Implication on India’s other bilateral/multilateral engagements:  Recently, China argued that by moving closer to 
the US and the US-led Quad in recent years India has worsened India-China and India-Russia relations and halted 
progress in the development of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 
• Unclear objectives: Such ambiguity does not project a good signal because many political observers are simply 
viewing it as an anti-China alliance, which undermines its potential in other essential areas such as climate change 
issues and vaccine diplomacy. 
• Unresolved issues 
o Countering COVID and a Vaccine initiative: India’s proposal 
at the WTO still blocked, and India has blocked giving 
indemnity to US vaccines. 
o Climate Change issues: India has worked with Quad 
countries on the Solar Alliance, Paris Accord etc., but has not 
yet signed on to Net Zero and ending coal deadline. 
o Critical Technologies and Resilient Supply Chains: While 
India is keen on building alternate supply chains especially 
on technologies with partners keen to end dependence on 
China, it is not part of the Osaka track, that includes other 
Quad countries, when it comes to cross border data flows 
• Conflicting signals from US: Even as the agenda for the Quad 
meeting is being evolved, the US announced a new trilateral 
defence partnership with Australia and the UK (AUKUS) leaving 
friends and allies mystified. 
• Divergence on acceptable risks and costs: This divergence in 
threat perceptions is based on a range of factors, including the 
existence or absence of direct territorial disputes with China, 
perceptions of the potential risks of retaliation by Beijing, other 
higher order national priorities and threats, and finally the limitations of each nation’s strategic culture. 
• China’s influence: China has strong economic ties with Quad members, especially Australia, which can be used to 
coerce or influence nations in its favour. This can turn out to be problematic for India. 
Way forward for Quad  
• Collective action: Collective security among the Quad nations has to be worked to safeguard the member nations’ 
freedom and security. Quad grouping with a combined pre-pandemic GDP of USD 30 trillion and a combined 
defence budget of USD 800 billion can counter China easily. 
• Need for clear vision: Quad nations need to explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching framework to advance 
everyone’s economic and security interests. This will reassure the littoral States that the presence of QUAD benefits 
the region. 
• Expanding the Quad: India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, India should pitch for countries 
like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join the Quad in the future. 
• Need for a Maritime Doctrine: India should develop a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific, which would ideate 
on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools; and, engage its 
strategic partners. 
Page 3


 
9                                                                                                                                                                       
Related news 
China's new maritime law comes into force 
• As per this law, foreign vessels will have to submit 
details to Chinese authorities when transiting through 
its 'territorial waters'. 
o This claim is contested by its neighbours in the 
region and by US. 
o The waters around China are hotly contested. Under 
a “nine-dash line” map, China claims most of the 
South China Sea (SCS) as its sovereign territory. 
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
2.1. FIRST QUAD SUMMIT 
Why in News? 
Recently, first ever in-person meeting of the Quad was held. 
About Quad 
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal association of 
India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The group met for the 
first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
o Its origin can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar 
and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue 
operations for itself and neighboring countries and was later 
joined by the US, Japan and Australia.  
• Set up to counter the growing might of China economically and 
militarily, this version eventually dissipated in 2008. 
o The lack of a common approach and vision was considered a 
primary reason for the partnership’s demise in 2008.  
o India was particularly sensitive to China’s reaction at the time 
given its desire for a Nuclear Suppliers’ Group waiver. Also, there 
have been doubts about the utility of a quadrilateral since India 
already has trilaterals with Japan and the U.S., and Australia and 
Japan.  
• In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four 
countries revived the Quad. Quad 2.0 is the outcome of substantial 
groundwork over the 2017-2021 period. 
o The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global 
order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system.  
o It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the 
forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, 
information exchanges and military drills of all the member 
countries. 
Significance of Quad for India 
• Balancing China’s influence: If Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad 
nations. 
o India is working with Quad partners to offer 
alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 
project that undermines India’s territorial 
sovereignty and regional primacy. 
• Rising importance of Indo-Pacific: Due to its favorable 
topographical location and peninsular geography, 
India has widespread trade and cultural connections 
with the Indo-Pacific littorals. QUAD provides India 
with a powerful platform to advance East Asia’s 
interests and further strengthen its Act East policy. 
o Also, it promotes inclusivity in the region by participating in various forums like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, 
Indian Ocean Commission etc. 
 
10                                                                                                                                                                       
• Evolving Foreign policy strategy: Aligning with like-minded countries without making a formal alliance or 
discounting its relationship with countries outside Quad is a hallmark of India’s evolving foreign policy strategy. 
• Supplementing India’s defense capabilities: Cooperation in the field of defence among Quad members through 
joint patrols, exchange of strategic information, etc. can help India overcome its limitations pertaining to finances, 
naval capacity, military reconnaissance, and technological and surveillance capabilities. 
• Additional collaboration on emerging threats: Additional collaboration can be expected in the cyber, space and 
maritime domains to enhance surveillance and deterrence. All four states have been the subject of extensive and 
persistent cyberattacks emanating from nation-state-supported institutions, notably from China. 
Challenges for Quad 
• Implication on India’s other bilateral/multilateral engagements:  Recently, China argued that by moving closer to 
the US and the US-led Quad in recent years India has worsened India-China and India-Russia relations and halted 
progress in the development of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 
• Unclear objectives: Such ambiguity does not project a good signal because many political observers are simply 
viewing it as an anti-China alliance, which undermines its potential in other essential areas such as climate change 
issues and vaccine diplomacy. 
• Unresolved issues 
o Countering COVID and a Vaccine initiative: India’s proposal 
at the WTO still blocked, and India has blocked giving 
indemnity to US vaccines. 
o Climate Change issues: India has worked with Quad 
countries on the Solar Alliance, Paris Accord etc., but has not 
yet signed on to Net Zero and ending coal deadline. 
o Critical Technologies and Resilient Supply Chains: While 
India is keen on building alternate supply chains especially 
on technologies with partners keen to end dependence on 
China, it is not part of the Osaka track, that includes other 
Quad countries, when it comes to cross border data flows 
• Conflicting signals from US: Even as the agenda for the Quad 
meeting is being evolved, the US announced a new trilateral 
defence partnership with Australia and the UK (AUKUS) leaving 
friends and allies mystified. 
• Divergence on acceptable risks and costs: This divergence in 
threat perceptions is based on a range of factors, including the 
existence or absence of direct territorial disputes with China, 
perceptions of the potential risks of retaliation by Beijing, other 
higher order national priorities and threats, and finally the limitations of each nation’s strategic culture. 
• China’s influence: China has strong economic ties with Quad members, especially Australia, which can be used to 
coerce or influence nations in its favour. This can turn out to be problematic for India. 
Way forward for Quad  
• Collective action: Collective security among the Quad nations has to be worked to safeguard the member nations’ 
freedom and security. Quad grouping with a combined pre-pandemic GDP of USD 30 trillion and a combined 
defence budget of USD 800 billion can counter China easily. 
• Need for clear vision: Quad nations need to explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching framework to advance 
everyone’s economic and security interests. This will reassure the littoral States that the presence of QUAD benefits 
the region. 
• Expanding the Quad: India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, India should pitch for countries 
like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join the Quad in the future. 
• Need for a Maritime Doctrine: India should develop a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific, which would ideate 
on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools; and, engage its 
strategic partners. 
 
11                                                                                                                                                                       
 
Page 4


 
9                                                                                                                                                                       
Related news 
China's new maritime law comes into force 
• As per this law, foreign vessels will have to submit 
details to Chinese authorities when transiting through 
its 'territorial waters'. 
o This claim is contested by its neighbours in the 
region and by US. 
o The waters around China are hotly contested. Under 
a “nine-dash line” map, China claims most of the 
South China Sea (SCS) as its sovereign territory. 
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
2.1. FIRST QUAD SUMMIT 
Why in News? 
Recently, first ever in-person meeting of the Quad was held. 
About Quad 
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal association of 
India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The group met for the 
first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
o Its origin can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar 
and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue 
operations for itself and neighboring countries and was later 
joined by the US, Japan and Australia.  
• Set up to counter the growing might of China economically and 
militarily, this version eventually dissipated in 2008. 
o The lack of a common approach and vision was considered a 
primary reason for the partnership’s demise in 2008.  
o India was particularly sensitive to China’s reaction at the time 
given its desire for a Nuclear Suppliers’ Group waiver. Also, there 
have been doubts about the utility of a quadrilateral since India 
already has trilaterals with Japan and the U.S., and Australia and 
Japan.  
• In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four 
countries revived the Quad. Quad 2.0 is the outcome of substantial 
groundwork over the 2017-2021 period. 
o The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global 
order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system.  
o It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the 
forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, 
information exchanges and military drills of all the member 
countries. 
Significance of Quad for India 
• Balancing China’s influence: If Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad 
nations. 
o India is working with Quad partners to offer 
alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 
project that undermines India’s territorial 
sovereignty and regional primacy. 
• Rising importance of Indo-Pacific: Due to its favorable 
topographical location and peninsular geography, 
India has widespread trade and cultural connections 
with the Indo-Pacific littorals. QUAD provides India 
with a powerful platform to advance East Asia’s 
interests and further strengthen its Act East policy. 
o Also, it promotes inclusivity in the region by participating in various forums like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, 
Indian Ocean Commission etc. 
 
10                                                                                                                                                                       
• Evolving Foreign policy strategy: Aligning with like-minded countries without making a formal alliance or 
discounting its relationship with countries outside Quad is a hallmark of India’s evolving foreign policy strategy. 
• Supplementing India’s defense capabilities: Cooperation in the field of defence among Quad members through 
joint patrols, exchange of strategic information, etc. can help India overcome its limitations pertaining to finances, 
naval capacity, military reconnaissance, and technological and surveillance capabilities. 
• Additional collaboration on emerging threats: Additional collaboration can be expected in the cyber, space and 
maritime domains to enhance surveillance and deterrence. All four states have been the subject of extensive and 
persistent cyberattacks emanating from nation-state-supported institutions, notably from China. 
Challenges for Quad 
• Implication on India’s other bilateral/multilateral engagements:  Recently, China argued that by moving closer to 
the US and the US-led Quad in recent years India has worsened India-China and India-Russia relations and halted 
progress in the development of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 
• Unclear objectives: Such ambiguity does not project a good signal because many political observers are simply 
viewing it as an anti-China alliance, which undermines its potential in other essential areas such as climate change 
issues and vaccine diplomacy. 
• Unresolved issues 
o Countering COVID and a Vaccine initiative: India’s proposal 
at the WTO still blocked, and India has blocked giving 
indemnity to US vaccines. 
o Climate Change issues: India has worked with Quad 
countries on the Solar Alliance, Paris Accord etc., but has not 
yet signed on to Net Zero and ending coal deadline. 
o Critical Technologies and Resilient Supply Chains: While 
India is keen on building alternate supply chains especially 
on technologies with partners keen to end dependence on 
China, it is not part of the Osaka track, that includes other 
Quad countries, when it comes to cross border data flows 
• Conflicting signals from US: Even as the agenda for the Quad 
meeting is being evolved, the US announced a new trilateral 
defence partnership with Australia and the UK (AUKUS) leaving 
friends and allies mystified. 
• Divergence on acceptable risks and costs: This divergence in 
threat perceptions is based on a range of factors, including the 
existence or absence of direct territorial disputes with China, 
perceptions of the potential risks of retaliation by Beijing, other 
higher order national priorities and threats, and finally the limitations of each nation’s strategic culture. 
• China’s influence: China has strong economic ties with Quad members, especially Australia, which can be used to 
coerce or influence nations in its favour. This can turn out to be problematic for India. 
Way forward for Quad  
• Collective action: Collective security among the Quad nations has to be worked to safeguard the member nations’ 
freedom and security. Quad grouping with a combined pre-pandemic GDP of USD 30 trillion and a combined 
defence budget of USD 800 billion can counter China easily. 
• Need for clear vision: Quad nations need to explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching framework to advance 
everyone’s economic and security interests. This will reassure the littoral States that the presence of QUAD benefits 
the region. 
• Expanding the Quad: India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, India should pitch for countries 
like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join the Quad in the future. 
• Need for a Maritime Doctrine: India should develop a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific, which would ideate 
on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools; and, engage its 
strategic partners. 
 
11                                                                                                                                                                       
 
 
12                                                                                                                                                                       
2.1.1. EU INDO-PACIFIC STARTEGY  
Why in News? 
Recently, European Union (EU) released “EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”.  
Why an EU Indo-Pacific strategy? 
• Assertive China: With slowly increasing concerns over China’s rise and its aggressive and expansionist policies, 
concerns about the future of the EU-China relations started making imprints in the minds of the policymakers of EU 
member states as well. 
o Earlier, Germany released its “Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region” in September 2020, soon followed by 
the Netherlands’. 
• Growing US-China rivalry and how that could negatively impact European interests was one of the factors that 
could not be taken lightly any longer by Europe. 
• Greater role in Indo-Pacific: EU is feeling the need to play a bigger role in Asia, to bear greater responsibility and to 
have an impact on the affairs of this region, whose fate is intertwined with that of Europe.  
o Tide of international politics has shifted to Asia in general, and the Indo-Pacific in particular, with the economic 
rise of countries like India, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia among others.  
• Securing Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): Given Europe has mostly engaged with this region in the trading 
realm, security of the SLOCs and the safe passage of commercial vessels is an important concern for the EU.  
• Other imminent issues which the Indo-Pacific region faces that can have an impact on EU own security interests 
too, like the potential risks of emerging technologies, ensuring supply chain resilience, and countering 
disinformation. 
Key objectives of EU Indo-Pacific Strategy 
• Solidify and defend the rules-based international order, by promoting inclusive and effective multilateral cooperation based 
on shared values and principles. 
o It is pointed more towards building on established partnerships and developing new ones with like-minded countries 
in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Promote a level playing field and an open and fair environment for trade and investment. 
• Establish mutually supportive trade and economic relations with the region that foster inclusive economic growth and 
stability, and promote and facilitate connectivity. 
o EU is seeking new digital partnerships with Japan, South Korea and Singapore, which would enhance cooperation and 
interoperability on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. 
o It further looks to complete and finalise EU trade negotiations with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand; and 
resuming trade negotiations and starting investment negotiations with India. 
• Pursue its long-standing multilateral and regional cooperation with the United Nations and Bretton Woods Institutions, 
ASEAN, African Union etc. 
• Contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to addressing climate change and environmental 
degradation on land and in the ocean. 
 
Page 5


 
9                                                                                                                                                                       
Related news 
China's new maritime law comes into force 
• As per this law, foreign vessels will have to submit 
details to Chinese authorities when transiting through 
its 'territorial waters'. 
o This claim is contested by its neighbours in the 
region and by US. 
o The waters around China are hotly contested. Under 
a “nine-dash line” map, China claims most of the 
South China Sea (SCS) as its sovereign territory. 
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 
2.1. FIRST QUAD SUMMIT 
Why in News? 
Recently, first ever in-person meeting of the Quad was held. 
About Quad 
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal association of 
India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The group met for the 
first time in 2007 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
o Its origin can be traced back to the evolution of Exercise Malabar 
and the 2004 Tsunami when India conducted relief and rescue 
operations for itself and neighboring countries and was later 
joined by the US, Japan and Australia.  
• Set up to counter the growing might of China economically and 
militarily, this version eventually dissipated in 2008. 
o The lack of a common approach and vision was considered a 
primary reason for the partnership’s demise in 2008.  
o India was particularly sensitive to China’s reaction at the time 
given its desire for a Nuclear Suppliers’ Group waiver. Also, there 
have been doubts about the utility of a quadrilateral since India 
already has trilaterals with Japan and the U.S., and Australia and 
Japan.  
• In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four 
countries revived the Quad. Quad 2.0 is the outcome of substantial 
groundwork over the 2017-2021 period. 
o The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global 
order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system.  
o It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the 
forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, 
information exchanges and military drills of all the member 
countries. 
Significance of Quad for India 
• Balancing China’s influence: If Chinese hostilities rise on the borders, India can take the support of the other Quad 
nations. 
o India is working with Quad partners to offer 
alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a 
project that undermines India’s territorial 
sovereignty and regional primacy. 
• Rising importance of Indo-Pacific: Due to its favorable 
topographical location and peninsular geography, 
India has widespread trade and cultural connections 
with the Indo-Pacific littorals. QUAD provides India 
with a powerful platform to advance East Asia’s 
interests and further strengthen its Act East policy. 
o Also, it promotes inclusivity in the region by participating in various forums like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, 
Indian Ocean Commission etc. 
 
10                                                                                                                                                                       
• Evolving Foreign policy strategy: Aligning with like-minded countries without making a formal alliance or 
discounting its relationship with countries outside Quad is a hallmark of India’s evolving foreign policy strategy. 
• Supplementing India’s defense capabilities: Cooperation in the field of defence among Quad members through 
joint patrols, exchange of strategic information, etc. can help India overcome its limitations pertaining to finances, 
naval capacity, military reconnaissance, and technological and surveillance capabilities. 
• Additional collaboration on emerging threats: Additional collaboration can be expected in the cyber, space and 
maritime domains to enhance surveillance and deterrence. All four states have been the subject of extensive and 
persistent cyberattacks emanating from nation-state-supported institutions, notably from China. 
Challenges for Quad 
• Implication on India’s other bilateral/multilateral engagements:  Recently, China argued that by moving closer to 
the US and the US-led Quad in recent years India has worsened India-China and India-Russia relations and halted 
progress in the development of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 
• Unclear objectives: Such ambiguity does not project a good signal because many political observers are simply 
viewing it as an anti-China alliance, which undermines its potential in other essential areas such as climate change 
issues and vaccine diplomacy. 
• Unresolved issues 
o Countering COVID and a Vaccine initiative: India’s proposal 
at the WTO still blocked, and India has blocked giving 
indemnity to US vaccines. 
o Climate Change issues: India has worked with Quad 
countries on the Solar Alliance, Paris Accord etc., but has not 
yet signed on to Net Zero and ending coal deadline. 
o Critical Technologies and Resilient Supply Chains: While 
India is keen on building alternate supply chains especially 
on technologies with partners keen to end dependence on 
China, it is not part of the Osaka track, that includes other 
Quad countries, when it comes to cross border data flows 
• Conflicting signals from US: Even as the agenda for the Quad 
meeting is being evolved, the US announced a new trilateral 
defence partnership with Australia and the UK (AUKUS) leaving 
friends and allies mystified. 
• Divergence on acceptable risks and costs: This divergence in 
threat perceptions is based on a range of factors, including the 
existence or absence of direct territorial disputes with China, 
perceptions of the potential risks of retaliation by Beijing, other 
higher order national priorities and threats, and finally the limitations of each nation’s strategic culture. 
• China’s influence: China has strong economic ties with Quad members, especially Australia, which can be used to 
coerce or influence nations in its favour. This can turn out to be problematic for India. 
Way forward for Quad  
• Collective action: Collective security among the Quad nations has to be worked to safeguard the member nations’ 
freedom and security. Quad grouping with a combined pre-pandemic GDP of USD 30 trillion and a combined 
defence budget of USD 800 billion can counter China easily. 
• Need for clear vision: Quad nations need to explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching framework to advance 
everyone’s economic and security interests. This will reassure the littoral States that the presence of QUAD benefits 
the region. 
• Expanding the Quad: India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, India should pitch for countries 
like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join the Quad in the future. 
• Need for a Maritime Doctrine: India should develop a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific, which would ideate 
on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools; and, engage its 
strategic partners. 
 
11                                                                                                                                                                       
 
 
12                                                                                                                                                                       
2.1.1. EU INDO-PACIFIC STARTEGY  
Why in News? 
Recently, European Union (EU) released “EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”.  
Why an EU Indo-Pacific strategy? 
• Assertive China: With slowly increasing concerns over China’s rise and its aggressive and expansionist policies, 
concerns about the future of the EU-China relations started making imprints in the minds of the policymakers of EU 
member states as well. 
o Earlier, Germany released its “Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region” in September 2020, soon followed by 
the Netherlands’. 
• Growing US-China rivalry and how that could negatively impact European interests was one of the factors that 
could not be taken lightly any longer by Europe. 
• Greater role in Indo-Pacific: EU is feeling the need to play a bigger role in Asia, to bear greater responsibility and to 
have an impact on the affairs of this region, whose fate is intertwined with that of Europe.  
o Tide of international politics has shifted to Asia in general, and the Indo-Pacific in particular, with the economic 
rise of countries like India, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia among others.  
• Securing Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): Given Europe has mostly engaged with this region in the trading 
realm, security of the SLOCs and the safe passage of commercial vessels is an important concern for the EU.  
• Other imminent issues which the Indo-Pacific region faces that can have an impact on EU own security interests 
too, like the potential risks of emerging technologies, ensuring supply chain resilience, and countering 
disinformation. 
Key objectives of EU Indo-Pacific Strategy 
• Solidify and defend the rules-based international order, by promoting inclusive and effective multilateral cooperation based 
on shared values and principles. 
o It is pointed more towards building on established partnerships and developing new ones with like-minded countries 
in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Promote a level playing field and an open and fair environment for trade and investment. 
• Establish mutually supportive trade and economic relations with the region that foster inclusive economic growth and 
stability, and promote and facilitate connectivity. 
o EU is seeking new digital partnerships with Japan, South Korea and Singapore, which would enhance cooperation and 
interoperability on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. 
o It further looks to complete and finalise EU trade negotiations with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand; and 
resuming trade negotiations and starting investment negotiations with India. 
• Pursue its long-standing multilateral and regional cooperation with the United Nations and Bretton Woods Institutions, 
ASEAN, African Union etc. 
• Contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to addressing climate change and environmental 
degradation on land and in the ocean. 
 
 
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2.1.2. FORMATION OF AUKUS 
Why in News? 
Recently, Australia, UK and US have announced a new trilateral program AUKUS. 
More on News 
• Recently, India’s Foreign Secretary stated that AUKUS had no links with the Quad and won't impact the functioning 
of the grouping. 
o He also stated that Quad is “not a military alliance” and is "not directed" at any country in particular.  
About AUKUS  
• AUKUS, by Australia, UK and US, is a new security alliance that aims for deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and 
greater sharing of defence capabilities within the alliance. 
• The plan is to give access to cutting edge military technology to Australia by its two partners, including futuristic 
capabilities like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. 
o As part of the pact, Australia will abandon its US $43 billion plan to build French conventional submarines, and 
instead build vessels based on US-UK technology. 
AUKUS and India 
• Complications 
o New Challenge in Indo-pacific: There is apprehension 
that the deal could eventually lead to a crowding of 
nuclear attack submarines in the Eastern Indian Ocean, 
eroding India’s regional pre-eminence. 
o U.S’s unreliability: France’s unhappiness with AUKUS 
has complicated the situation a bit from India’s 
perspective. In the light of these issues, some experts 
suggest that US cannot be completely relied on, as it 
has excluded its long-time ally France from the 
grouping despite being a NATO partner.  
o Sceptics suggest if Australia and U.S. could deceive a 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partner, they 
ask, what is to prevent them from doing the same with lesser allies? 
o AUKUS vs Quad: AUKUS has taken the focus away from the Quad. The agreement suggests preferential 
treatment on the part of US for a close Anglo-alliance partner. 
o Impact on other multilateral engagements: Recently, France has pulled out of India-France-Australia foreign 
ministers trilateral (formed to counter balance China) to protest against AUKUS. 
o Technology Pursuit: Following the deepening of Quad ties, some in India were hopeful that U.S. would consider 
providing the Indian Navy with nuclear submarine propulsion technology.  
? Clarification by U.S. that the deal with Australia is a “one-off” puts paid to Indian expectations. 
• Opportunities 
o It will strengthen the Quad’s agenda to keep the Indo-Pacific region free, open and inclusive. 
? AUKUS could also extend itself to bolstering the Quad’s efforts on maritime exercises, security and efforts 
in countering COVID-19, climate change, cooperating on critical technologies, and building resilient supply 
chains. 
o Another potential benefit could be the leverage the AUKUS rollout gives India in both the diplomatic and 
defense trade realms, particularly with France. 
o It reflects continued and intensifying U.S. and Australian concerns about China. Moreover, it is designed to 
increase their capabilities in the region (which will also, consequently, increase the cumulative capabilities of 
the Quad).