Expaning the Indo-Pacific Quadrilatral Dialogue

Why in news?

Japan intends to associate the European powers with Indo-Pacific quadrilateral dialogue.  

What is Indo-Pacific quadrilateral dialogue?

• It is a closed group consisting of India, Australia, Japan & USA.
• Japan pioneered the initiative about a decade ago.
• It perceives this forum as a coalition of maritime democracies.
• Securing a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation are believed to the guiding principles.

What is the need for additional members?

• The growing power imbalance in Asia due to the rapid rise of China needs a robust alliance to counter balance. 
• Getting the European allies on board is part of that vision.
• Exploratory talks among the group members are likely on the margins of the upcoming ‘East Asia Summit’ in The Philippines.
• Japan is already said to be in loop with France and Britain regarding the same.  

What are the implications?

• Legacy - Colonial pasts have helped Britain & France retain networks of political and military influence in the region.
• The British-led Commonwealth too has many small island states scattered all across the Indo-Pacific.
• France also has many military facilities in the Indo-Pacific that include the Reunion, Djibouti and the UAE.
• These networks would immensely benefit the alliance.
• Personal Interests - More than 70% of EU trade passes through the Indo-Pacific.
• Considering its trade volumes, Germany too has a special interest in the Indo-Pacific navigation channels.
• Also, there is conderable European interests in the present rush among Asian Navies to modernise their fleets & build submarines.

What are the advantages for India?

• This a signal from India that Chinese aggression and animosity serves to push India closer to a rival camp, thus incurring a cost for Beijing.
• It will deepen New Delhi’s ties with US, Australia and Japan with attendant benefits in diplomatic leverage and burden sharing in defence.
• Working with America and US allies in the Asia-Pacific will provide New Delhi significant leverage in shaping US policies in Afghanistan-Pakistan to the benefit of India.

What is India’s Position?

• India already has a strong bilateral security engagement with most European Powers and maritime security has held high priority.

• Recently, France and India decided to expand information sharing and explore operational cooperation between their navies.
• Newer agreements for maritime intelligence sharing, augmenting naval infrastructure and logistical support are being pushed.
• China’s rapid naval advances in the Indian Ocean only highlight the importance of evolving a comprehensive strategic framework.

Source: The Indian Express