Quad's 2025: A Year of Interregnum Amidst Geopolitical Shifts
Summary
The year 2025 saw significant disruption in global geopolitics, marked by the return of President Donald Trump and escalating competition between China and the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S., remained a crucial forum for Washington's engagement in the region. Despite its importance, the Quad was unable to convene a leader-level summit in 2025, leading to speculation about its future. However, initiatives like the Quad-at-Sea: Ship Observer Mission and the Ports of the Future Partnership continued. The Malabar naval exercise also enhanced maritime cooperation. The U.S. Ambassador to India has indicated diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure a leader-level summit takes place in early 2026.
Full Analysis
The year 2025 saw significant disruption in global geopolitics, marked by the return of President Donald Trump and escalating competition between China and the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S., remained a crucial forum for Washington's engagement in the region. Despite its importance, the Quad was unable to convene a leader-level summit in 2025, leading to speculation about its future. However, initiatives like the Quad-at-Sea: Ship Observer Mission and the Ports of the Future Partnership continued. The Malabar naval exercise also enhanced maritime cooperation. The U.S. Ambassador to India has indicated diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure a leader-level summit takes place in early 2026.
Background Context
The seeds of the Quad can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when India, the United States, Australia, and Japan coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. This ad-hoc cooperation demonstrated the potential for collaboration among these nations. The formalization of the Quad as a strategic dialogue occurred in 2007, initiated by then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. However, the grouping faced early challenges, including concerns about antagonizing China and a change in government in Australia, leading to its temporary dormancy. The Quad was revived in 2017, driven by shared concerns over China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and a renewed commitment to a rules-based international order. This revival marked a shift from disaster relief to a broader strategic agenda, encompassing maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation.
Current Developments
In recent years, the Quad has expanded its scope beyond security concerns to address issues such as climate change, critical and emerging technologies, and global health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for greater cooperation in vaccine development and distribution, leading to the Quad Vaccine Partnership. This initiative aims to enhance vaccine access in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the Quad has focused on building resilient supply chains to reduce dependence on any single country, particularly China. Discussions are also underway to enhance cybersecurity cooperation and promote secure 5G networks. Looking ahead, the Quad is expected to play a more prominent role in shaping the regional architecture and promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Key Facts
- Quad formed: 2004, revived 2017
- Members: India, Australia, Japan, U.S.
- Ship Observer Mission: Operationalized June 2025
- Ports of the Future Partnership: Mumbai, October 2025
- Malabar naval exercise: Held in Guam
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Which of the following statements accurately describes the initial impetus for the formation of the Quad?
- A formal military alliance aimed at containing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
- A coordinated response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
- An economic partnership focused on promoting free trade among member nations.
- A cultural exchange program designed to foster closer ties between the four countries.
Explanation: The Quad initially formed as a coordinated response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. While it has evolved into a strategic dialogue with broader objectives, its initial impetus was disaster relief.
Question 2
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Malabar' naval exercise:
1. It initially began as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States.
2. Japan became a permanent participant in the Malabar exercise in 2015.
3. Australia has been a consistent participant in the Malabar exercise since its inception.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The Malabar exercise began as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States. Japan became a permanent participant in 2015. Australia's participation has been intermittent, not consistent since inception.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Assess the significance of the Quad in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. What are the key challenges and opportunities for this grouping in promoting regional stability and cooperation?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Quad grouping?
1. The Quad was first conceptualized in 2004 in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami.
2. The Malabar naval exercise is a key component of Quad's security cooperation.
3. The Quad aims to contain China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The Quad was initially formed in response to the 2004 tsunami, the Malabar exercise is a key part of its security cooperation, and a major, though unstated, goal is to address China's growing influence.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
The absence of a leader-level Quad summit in 2025 raises concerns about the grouping's future. Analyze the factors contributing to this situation and suggest measures to ensure the Quad's continued relevance and effectiveness in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which country was NOT a participant in the Malabar naval exercise held in Guam, as mentioned in the passage?
- (a) India
- (b) Australia
- (c) Japan
- (d) France
Explanation: The passage mentions India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. as members of the Quad, which participates in the Malabar exercise. France is not mentioned.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
The 'Ports of the Future Partnership' initiative in October 2025 was launched in which Indian city?
- (a) Chennai
- (b) Kolkata
- (c) Mumbai
- (d) Visakhapatnam
Explanation: According to the passage, the 'Ports of the Future Partnership' was launched in Mumbai in October 2025.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a member country of the Quad grouping?
- (a) India
- (b) Japan
- (c) Australia
- (d) South Korea
Explanation: The Quad comprises India, Japan, Australia, and the United States. South Korea is not a member.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
What is the primary focus of the 'Ports of the Future Partnership' initiative?
- (a) Enhancing maritime security
- (b) Promoting cultural exchange
- (c) Improving port infrastructure and efficiency
- (d) Facilitating tourism
Explanation: While the passage doesn't explicitly state the focus, the name 'Ports of the Future Partnership' implies a focus on improving port infrastructure and efficiency.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements about the Quad is INCORRECT?
- (a) It is a strategic dialogue between four countries.
- (b) It was revived in 2017.
- (c) It aims to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- (d) Its headquarters are located in New York.
Explanation: The Quad does not have a formal headquarters. It is a dialogue forum, not an organization with a physical headquarters.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The Malabar exercise is primarily focused on:
- (a) Counter-terrorism operations
- (b) Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- (c) Maritime security and interoperability
- (d) Cyber warfare defense
Explanation: The Malabar exercise is a naval exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and interoperability between the participating navies.