India as pivot of security in Indo-Pacific

Reality of CCP nightmare of a close security partnership between US and India would deter rather than incentivise PLA adventurism on the border with India

- M.D. NALAPAT

From its rejuvenation under Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in 2017, ten years after it was formed on the suggestion of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in 2007, the Quad has implicitly ruled out any role in a kinetic conflict. Such a prohibition includes military action to meet any kinetic challenge from the country that was in the crosshairs of the Abe concept, China. Interestingly, the Doklam clash between India and China happened in 2017, and yet despite the clash highlighting the obvious need for security against kinetic attacks through such an alliance, India has remained firm that mutual assistance against kinetic conflicts with China continue to remain outside the purview of the Quad.

In the same way, India has remained opposed to any addition to the existing Quad members, despite having consented to the BRICS Plus at the Johannesburg summit of the BRICS countries, which group itself was increased by the addition of South Africa to the original four members of BRICS, which were India, the US, Japan and Australia. And it would be pertinent to recall that India succeeded in adding the African Union to the G-20 in the 2023 New Delhi Summit. Prime Minister Modi, in tandem with the concerned ministers, is known for his innovative policies, which is why there is confidence amongst his well-wishers that the blossoming of the Quad into a comprehensive security mechanism, including in the kinetic sphere, would take place during Modi 3.0.