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Diplomacy
OpinionComment
Mohamed Zeeshan
Mohamed Zeeshan

Opinion | China or the US-led Quad? Why India must pick a side

  • The Quad’s investment in India’s vaccine manufacturing capacity shows the grouping could be a long-term partner in solving the country’s developmental challenges
  • But New Delhi’s multi-alignment strategy might undermine the Quad’s willingness to invest in India

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A woman receives a dose of Covishield, a Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India, at an auditorium which has been converted into a temporary vaccination centre, in Ahmedabad, India, on March 26. The Quad is looking to boost India’s vaccine diplomacy to counter China’s influence in the region. Photo: Reuters
Mohamed Zeeshan
In March, leaders of the “Quad” countries – the United States, India, Japan and Australia – came together for a momentous summit, resulting in their first-ever joint statement. This was a milestone for the Quad, after years of struggling to get off the starting blocks.
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A key factor in the Quad’s reinvigoration in recent months has been India’s sudden enthusiasm. For years, New Delhi had dragged its feet on elevating the Quad to a more proactive forum. That changed in the aftermath of tensions with China last year, which forced India to turn to the US and its allies.

Yet, the Quad is a very significant departure from the established norms of Indian foreign policy. This is the only arena where India sits with the US and some of its closest allies, in a context clearly driven by sensitive geopolitics.

Although India has taken pains to underline that the grouping is not an “Asian Nato”, the truth is that China is the primary reason for the Quad’s existence. Take the summit, for instance. When the Quad leaders met in March, they decided, among other things, to collectively invest in boosting India’s capacity to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines. The US and Japan are reported to be providing financial support for the effort, while Australia will take care of logistics.

The key strategic objective of this initiative is driven by competition with China: the Quad hopes India will help counter China’s vaccine supply and influence, especially in Asia.

By some estimates, China has sent over 60 per cent of its global vaccine supply to Southeast Asia. Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia and Brunei are reported to have received over 2 million doses as donations. India’s vaccine diplomacy, the Quad hopes, could help balance Chinese influence in the region.
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