Sir — Although the first-ever leader-level summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue took place virtually, it has sent out a clear message to China that its increasing expansionism and hostility, particularly in Asia, will not be tolerated (“New friends”, March 17). The four members of Quad — India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America — seem willing to act together to take on China’s desire to establish supremacy over other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

The summit took place against the backdrop of three critical regional and global developments. First is India’s military face-off with China in Galwan. China’s incursions along the Line of Actual Control and attempts to escalate military confrontation proves that it is willing to go into battle to establish its supremacy. The second is the election of Joe Biden as the president of the US. While former president, Donald Trump, took a tough stand on China, Biden prefers a multilateral approach, alliances and partnerships over unilateral action. The third aspect is China’s unclear role in the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All members of Quad have reasons to be resentful towards China. China imposed sanctions on Australia and made inroads into the southern Indian Ocean and southern Pacific regions. Japan is concerned over China’s new coast guard law which allows China to open fire on any ship posing a threat in waters claimed by China. The US realizes that China can challenge its status as the world’s superpower. Further, Covid-19 exposed the dependence of countries on Chinese supply lines, prompting nations to build wide-ranging partnerships with friendly nations. However, it remains to be seen whether the Quad will prove to be a solution to the threat posed by China, as the priorities of the members with regard to the approach towards the country are different.

Venu G.S.,
Kollam, Kerala

Sir — While it is good to know that the Quad has a broader developmental agenda than having a mere anti-China stand — the intended production of one billion Covid-19 vaccines jointly would be a right step at this time — the animosity towards China is quite evident. Yet no country in this group — India, Japan, Australia or the US — is in a position to cut its ties with it.

China’s expansionism can be ignored only at one’s own peril. So an effective group like Quad was indeed the need of the hour. However, that it is not confined to strategies and counter-strategies against China is equally important.

D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla,
Andhra Pradesh

Sir — It bodes well for India and the other members of Quad that the first leadership summit turned out to be a meaningful exercise. But the US’s attempt to strengthen the ties between India and itself is a development that seems to have displeased China, which insists on delinking its border dispute with India from bilateral exchanges. But China should realize that if the Quad has gained momentum, it has only itself to blame.

The fact that time-tested India-Russia ties have lost some of its warmth, with Moscow strengthening its bonds with Pakistan and China, also seems to have played a role in New Delhi looking elsewhere for support. As the Quad finds new credibility, China would do well to reconsider its approach. All the four members of Quad have mutually beneficial relationships with China, which has risen to become one of the largest economic and military powers in the world. But if China continues its pursuit of hegemony, the Quad is bound to act as an inevitable balancing force. Meanwhile, New Delhi should make the most of its growing friendship with the other members of Quad and further its strategic and economic interests as well as keep Beijing on the back foot.

S.S. Paul,
Nadia

Sir — China has all the reasons to be edgy after the successful summit of Quad nations. Its growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region is not hidden from anyone. But credit must be given to Quad members for making the vaccine partnership a priority, given that it is probably the greatest need of the hour to pool in resources and help all countries which are struggling to get their citizens vaccinated. Indeed, China will not leave any stone unturned to drive a wedge amongst the members, but India needs to play smart and act strategically: it must keep its long-term interests in mind. India’s diplomatic skills will surely be put to test as it strives to strike a balance between its relationship with China and with other nations.

Bal Govind,
Noida

Look deeper

Sir — It has been some 10 days since all the brouhaha over International Women’s Day and Tirath Singh Rawat, the new chief minister of Uttarakhand, made a condescending comment about a woman wearing ripped jeans running a non-governmental organization. He is apparently concerned about the example she was setting before society. While it is no one’s business what a free citizen of the country chooses to wear, it is disappointing that to this day a woman continues to be judged by her clothes and not by the work she does. Lip service to women’s empowerment will be of no value until people change their regressive mindset.

Sonali Dutta,
Calcutta