Source: The Hindu 

Introduction  

In September, Prime Minister attended a significant Quad meeting in the United States, resulting in the 'Wilmington Declaration'. This declaration, while not explicitly mentioning China, clearly aimed at containing its influence across the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting marked a potential shift towards a more formal security alliance among the Quad nations. This development has important implications for India's security and its relationship with China, which is already strained due to ongoing border tensions. 

How is India's Growing Closeness with the Quad Countries Affecting Its Relationship with China? 

• The ongoing border tensions between India and China, especially in the Ladakh region. 
• China's increasing aggressive behavior and nationalism under Xi Jinping's leadership. 
• The delicate balance India needs to maintain between its Quad partnerships and its relationship with China. 
• The potential risks for India if China perceives it as aligning too closely with the US and other Western countries. 
• The difference in how China views threats to its eastern seaboard versus border disputes with India. 
• The need for India to be cautious and strategic in its approach to both China and the Quad, avoiding actions that might provoke China unnecessarily. 
• The importance of India maintaining its independent foreign policy stance rather than being seen as part of a US-led effort to contain China. 

What is the Wilmington Declaration? 

• The Wilmington Declaration refers to a joint statement made by the leaders of the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) during their meeting in Wilmington, Delaware in September 2023. 
  • The declaration was regarding China's aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  • It condemned dangerous maneuvers by coast guard and militia vessels and emphasized the importance of resolving maritime disputes peacefully according to international law. 
• The Quad leaders focused on improving connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region through quality infrastructure projects.  
  • This includes developing ports, undersea cable networks, and enhancing semiconductor supply chains to provide alternatives to China's infrastructure initiatives. 
• The declaration addressed ongoing global conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in West Asia (Middle East).  
  • It called for an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and adherence to international laws and norms. 
• The Quad nations announced initiatives focused on improving human health and well-being or Four Dimension of Quad nation  
  • This includes efforts to combat cervical cancer, provide access to vaccines for diseases like mpox, and offer humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters. 
  • The declaration introduced new initiatives to enhance maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, such as training programs, legal dialogues, and joint naval exercises to improve interoperability and enforce maritime laws. 
  • The Quad countries pledged to work together on advanced technologies, including space exploration, cybersecurity, clean energy, and semiconductor development. 
    • The declaration emphasized the need to create diverse and resilient supply chains, particularly in critical sectors like semiconductors, to reduce dependence on any single country (implicitly referring to China). 
  • The Quad reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based international order, particularly in maritime affairs, by referencing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling. 

How does the Unclear Legal Status of the India-China Border Impact Diplomatic Relations and Security Cooperation in the Region? 

• The India-China border situation remains legally ambiguous, with ongoing disputes over territory in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. 
• Despite some diplomatic statements about reducing differences, there has been no formal legal agreement on troop disengagement at friction points along the Line of Actual Control. 
• India's participation in the Quad, while not a formal treaty alliance, may be perceived by China as a shift in India's legal and diplomatic stance. 
• The Wilmington Declaration, though not mentioning China explicitly, could be interpreted as a quasi-legal framework for containing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• China's claims in the South China Sea and eastern seaboard are viewed differently by Beijing compared to Himalayan border disputes, potentially affecting legal approaches to each issue. 
• India's increasing security cooperation with the US, while not formalized in a mutual defense treaty, may impact the legal and diplomatic dynamics of India-China relations. 

Conclusion  

As India navigates its relationships with both China and the Quad partners, caution is advised. While strengthening ties with the Quad, India should avoid being perceived as part of a coalition aimed at containing China, as this could provoke aggressive responses. India's future does not depend on checkmating China's ambitions or supporting US efforts to do so. Instead, India should maintain a balanced approach, focusing on its own interests while carefully managing its relationships with both China and Western allies.