India's participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) has been shaped by its complex geopolitical and economic relationship with China. While the Quad, a grouping of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, was initially formed to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, India has maintained a cautious approach, balancing its security interests with China’s economic importance.

India, given its strategic location and concerns over China's territorial ambitions, found alignment with the Quad’s objectives. However, India’s approach to the Quad remained careful and measured. While India shared the U.S.’s concerns about China’s rise, it was wary of fully aligning itself with Washington’s China containment strategy. India resisted transforming the Quad into a military alliance, preferring a broader dialogue on security issues, free trade, and regional cooperation. New Delhi’s goal was to strengthen the Quad while avoiding an all-out confrontation with China.

 

Despite its growing security ties with the United States and its Quad allies, India has consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining stable relations with China. The relationship between the two countries has been marked by long standing border disputes, but India has sought to resolve these issues through diplomacy. The 2020 border clash in Galwan Valley, which led to military casualties, heightened tensions, yet India kept diplomatic channels open with Beijing, underscoring its preference for peaceful resolution.

 

Even as India strengthened its engagement in the Quad, it worked towards stabilising relations with China, recognising that a peaceful coexistence was in India’s long-term interest. Talks between military commanders and higher-level diplomatic discussions have been ongoing, with both countries focused on de-escalating tensions along the disputed border. In October 2024, India and China reached a patrolling arrangement in contested areas such as Depsang and Demchok, signaling a move towards de-escalation,
 

Despite the security tensions, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, particularly in sectors such as electronics, machinery, and chemicals. While India has voiced concerns over the trade imbalance, it continues to rely on Chinese goods and investments. This trade relationship provides India with significant economic benefits but also exposes the country to the risks of over-dependence on China.

 

India’s economic ties with China have also influenced its approach to the Quad. While the U.S. and its allies have increasingly pushed for an economic decoupling from China, India has been more cautious. India has focused on diversifying its trade relationships while maintaining dialogue with Beijing, ensuring that economic interests do not become collateral damage in the pursuit of security cooperation.

India’s future engagement with the Quad will likely continue to be guided by a dual strategy: advancing security cooperation with the United States and its allies while also pursuing a pragmatic relationship with China. India is unlikely to allow its Quad involvement to fully define its relations with China. While India shares Quad’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, it will also prioritise diplomatic and economic engagement with China to resolve conflicts and expand trade.

 

As tensions in the Indo-Pacific persist and China’s influence continues to grow, India will need to balance its strategic partnerships while managing its complex and evolving relationship with China. By maintaining this delicate equilibrium, India can secure its interests both regionally and globally.