Quad as a Very Important Platform: U.S. View on Indo-Pacific Strategy

Quad as a Very Important Platform: The U.S. calls Quad a vital platform for Indo-Pacific stability, supply chains, defence cooperation, and countering strategic challenges. Learn its global significance.

Table of Contents

Context

At a recent U.S. congressional hearing, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S. Paul Kapur described the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) as a “very important platform.”

About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)

● Members: India, United States, Japan, and Australia.

● Nature: Strategic forum; not a formal military alliance.

● Purpose: Promote a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and uphold rules-based order.

● Key Focus Areas: Maritime security, regional stability, cyber security, counterterrorism, supply chains, climate, and health cooperation.

● Origin: Initiated in 2007 (Shinzo Abe’s idea), later lapsed.

● Revival: Revived in 2017 due to growing concerns over China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

● Maritime Exercises: All QUAD members participate in the annual Malabar naval exercise.

● Quad Critical Minerals Initiative (QCMI)

○ Context: The Quad foreign ministers announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative at their meeting in Washington, D.C. on 1 July 2025.

○ Core objectives

● Reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities in critical minerals and related processing technologies.

● Build reliable, diversified and transparent supply chains that can withstand shocks and coercive disruptions.

● Encourage greater private-sector investment and industry coordination across Quad countries

Emphasis on the Quad’s Strategic Importance

Platform for Indo-Pacific Stability: Quad is described as central to maintaining a “free and open” Indo-Pacific..
Strategic Counterbalance to China: Although the U.S. does not officially frame the Quad as anti-China, Kapur stressed that a strong and independent India limits China’s strategic space.
Defence Cooperation and Interoperability: US Administration highlighted the October 2025 ten-year defence cooperation framework between India and the U.S. Expanding military exercises, logistics coordination, and interoperability.
Defence Procurement and Technology Transfers: Defence trade was portrayed as strengthening mutual trust. Also it would enhance India’s self-defence capacity
Energy and Supply Chain Security: The Quad’s broader agenda includes critical minerals and energy diversification. US administration India’s reduction of Russian oil imports and increased purchase of U.S. energy.
Democratic Partnerships in the Region: US linked democratic transitions in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal to the broader U.S. strategy of supporting democratic governance in South Asia, which aligns with Quad values.

Issues Highlighted by U.S. Congress in India–U.S. Relations

During the hearing, several concerns were raised by Members of Congress:

● Tariff Disputes and Trade Friction: Representatives called 50% tariffs imposed earlier impacting on bilateral trust. Some lawmakers described the tariff move as a “needless rupture.”

● H-1B Visa Restrictions: Concerns were expressed about the imposition of high visa fees affecting Indian professionals. Lawmakers noted that such measures strain economic and technological cooperation.

● Quad’s Limited Mention in U.S. National Security Strategy: Representatives questioned why the Quad was mentioned only briefly in the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy, implying possible downgrading.

● Trump’s Kashmir Mediation Offer: Lawmakers argued that President Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir, and his claim of brokering a ceasefire in the India–Pakistan conflict of May 2025, risked complicating sensitive diplomatic dynamics.

● Afghanistan Policy and Refugee Concerns: Some members criticised U.S. policies regarding Afghan refugees and women’s rights, linking broader South Asia strategy to credibility concerns.

Strategic Implications

Quad as a Stabilising Architecture: The Quad remains central to U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, even amid trade tensions.
India as a Net Security Provider: The U.S. views a strong India as a means to secure a large portion of the Indo-Pacific from strategic dominance by China.
Trade Tensions vs Strategic Alignment: Despite tariff disputes, defence and geopolitical cooperation appear largely intact.
Domestic Political Divisions in the U.S.: The hearing revealed partisan differences in approach, but bipartisan support for India’s strategic role remains strong.

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