The recent one-day meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in Delaware, United States, has raised questions about the alliance’s cohesion and objectives. The hurried gathering seemed to dispense with earlier assertions that the Quad is not aimed at encircling the Chinese mainland. Instead, the agenda appeared focused on containing and countering China.
Despite strong rhetoric from some members, the Quad’s agenda is significantly influenced by its least committed participant, India. While the United States and Australia often adopt a firm stance, India’s unique geopolitical interests shape the alliance’s priorities. Notably, India continues to engage with Russia, increasing its imports of Russian oil and maintaining trade relationships that contrast with the sanctions imposed by other Quad members.
The United States has traditionally been strict with nations that bypass its sanctions, utilizing mechanisms like the SWIFT international payment system to enforce compliance. However, India’s growing energy trade with Russia has largely been exempt from such scrutiny, highlighting the complexities and compromises within the Quad.
India’s role as a member of both the Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) further underscores its strategic balancing act. Hosting the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting, India engages with an organization that addresses political, economic, and security issues that sometimes diverge from the Quad’s aims.
The effectiveness of the Quad is thus constrained by the need to accommodate India’s positions. The alliance’s strength is tied to its members’ commitments, and India’s nuanced foreign policy necessitates a delicate approach. This dynamic grants India considerable leverage to advance its own interests, which may not always align perfectly with those of its partners.
As global geopolitics continue to evolve, the Quad faces the challenge of reconciling divergent interests among its members. The alliance’s future effectiveness may hinge on its ability to navigate these internal complexities while addressing broader regional concerns.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
