[Answered] What are the objectives of Quad group? How far are the claims of it becoming an Asian-NATO true? 

Known as the ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’ (QSD), the Quad is an informal strategic forum comprising four nations, namely-USA, India, Australia and Japan. It is an alliance of maritime democracies and the forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills of all the member countries.

Objectives of Quad group:

• One of the primary objectives of the Quad is to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• It aims to secure a rules-based global order, liberal trading system, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes, and democratic values in the region.
• Another purpose of the QUAD is to offer alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The other areas of focus are combating climate change, sharing critical technologies, cyber security, supply chain resilience and infrastructure and connectivity projects.

The China has been apprehensive after the formation of Quad. It has many times stated that formation of Quad is akin to the formation of NATO, with the purpose of containing China. However, the following factors go against this claim.

• The formation of NATO was based on the mutual-defence pact of the United States with its European allies against the Soviet Union. On the other hand, QUAD is an informal alliance.
• The four countries in the Quad had come together to consult on issues of mutual interest, such as maritime security, connectivity counter-terrorism, resilient supply chains and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. But the vision of NATO is very narrow compared to the QUAD.
• While the NATO was created in the aftermath of World War-2, Quad negotiations were initiated after the earthquake of Indonesia. Their roots are totally different.
• QUAD member countries have different interests behind joining the alliance. Specifically, India’s policies suggest, it will not be interested in joining a US-led military alliance against China or any other country.
• Quad has focused on present issues like vaccines, supply chains, but there is not any relation with NATO or any other organisation.

QUAD is united by its democratic values and will remain an important pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries should work with other countries in the Indo-Pacific Region. This will help to maintain independent security, economic policies and capacity building of other countries also.