The Quad, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, is increasingly focusing on the Bay of Bengal region through its "Quad Ports for Future" program, signaling a potentially significant shift in the area's geopolitical dynamics. This initiative aims to enhance maritime security and counter China's growing influence by developing port infrastructure in the region.
The US is considering developing a port in Bangladesh under the Quad Ports for Future program to establish a presence in the Bay of Bengal. This move is designed to counterbalance China's influence in the region. While India already has access to Bangladeshi ports, and Japan is constructing a deep-sea port at Matarbari, the US's potential involvement has sparked discussions about regional sensitivities and the balance of power. The US has held initial meetings with stakeholders in Dhaka and plans to conduct a feasibility study before making any concrete decisions.
Japan's construction of a deep-sea port at Matarbari is aimed at creating a major regional transshipment and industrial hub, which would allow large vessels to dock directly, reduce costs and transit times, and enhance trade for Bangladesh and its neighbors, including India's northeastern states. India, on the other hand, secured operational rights to a terminal at Bangladesh's Mongla port in 2024, and in 2018, Bangladesh granted India full access to both Chittagong and Mongla ports for transit and cargo shipping.
The Bay of Bengal holds significant geostrategic and economic importance, handling approximately 30% of global trade. Recognizing the infrastructure gaps in the region, the Quad's focus on port development aligns with its broader goals of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. India and Australia are also expected to increase infrastructure cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the South Pacific, leveraging their respective strengths in regional experience, port automation, and green shipping.
The Quad's engagement in the Bay of Bengal is multifaceted, extending beyond infrastructure development to include maritime security initiatives. Regular naval exercises, such as Exercise Malabar, involving the navies of all four Quad nations, are conducted in the Bay of Bengal to enhance interoperability and preparedness in addressing shared maritime challenges. These exercises cover complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defense, with an emphasis on improving situational awareness in the maritime domain.
The increasing focus on the Bay of Bengal also reflects the Quad's broader strategy of strengthening maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific. Initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative demonstrate the Quad's commitment to working with regional partners to address common maritime security risks. Additionally, the Quad is enhancing its capabilities in counter-terrorism and cybersecurity through various working groups and exercises, further solidifying its role in promoting regional stability.
While the Quad's efforts in the Bay of Bengal are primarily aimed at countering China's influence and promoting regional security and economic growth, they also require careful consideration of the interests and sensitivities of all regional players. As the Quad continues to evolve, its ability to foster cooperation, transparency, and sustainable development will be crucial in achieving its goals and maintaining a balanced and stable Indo-Pacific region.
