The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of global geopolitics, where competing interests, security concerns, and economic ambitions intersect. In 2024, various strategic partnerships continue to reshape the region’s security architecture, promoting stability but also reflecting an increasingly complex balance of power. From the strengthening of traditional alliances like the Quad to the rise of new initiatives under the AUKUS pact, these partnerships aim to secure a
free and open Indo-Pacific, countering security threats and fostering cooperative growth.
Quad’s 2024 Initiatives and Commitments
The Quad alliance—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—has solidified its stance as a cornerstone of regional stability. In 2024, the Quad nations launched the Quad Digital Security Alliance, focusing on cybersecurity cooperation to address rising concerns over digital infrastructure vulnerabilities. This initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to countering cyber threats that transcend national borders and impact both economic and national security.
The Quad has also expanded joint military drills, with the Malabar 2024 exercise featuring advanced amphibious warfare manoeuvres that reinforce members’ readiness against potential threats in contested waters. These developments illustrate how the Quad’s commitments are no longer just political but increasingly operational, enhancing the defence capabilities of each nation.
The AUKUS Pact and Australia’s Enhanced Maritime Power
The AUKUS pact among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is another key development that is reshaping regional dynamics. This year, Australia took delivery of its first U.S.-designed nuclear-powered submarine, significantly upgrading its maritime capabilities. These submarines, equipped with stealth technology, provide Australia with a powerful deterrent against potential aggression in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of China’s expanding naval footprint in the South China Sea.
Australia’s new capabilities have, however, raised concerns among other nations, especially China, which views AUKUS as a containment strategy. The pact demonstrates a firm U.S. and UK commitment to protecting shared interests in the Indo-Pacific, intensifying both security dynamics and diplomatic discussions around regional defence. Strengthening India-Japan Security Cooperation India and Japan’s security cooperation has evolved significantly, with 2024 marking important advancements. The two nations have increased collaboration on missile defence and cyber warfare, with Japan agreeing to share Kawasaki P-1 surveillance technology with India. This technology exchange aligns with both countries’ commitment to bolstering maritime security and addressing shared security challenges. Their Dharma Guardian 2024 joint exercise focused on countering hybrid threats—an approach that includes both traditional military challenges and cyber operations—demonstrates how these two nations are preparing to address a diverse range of security threats. Together, India and Japan aim to enhance regional stability by promoting a rules-based order and counterbalancing China’s influence in East Asia. India-Australia Defense and Economic Partnerships In 2024, India and Australia’s partnership expanded into new domains, most notably in defence supply chains and critical material access. The
Aus-India Logistics Corridor, established this year, allows for expedited logistics support between the two nations. Additionally, both countries have deepened their cooperation on securing supplies of rare earth elements, essential for defence technologies and production. These developments reflect a joint commitment to fostering resilience in critical sectors. Through regular joint exercises such as AUSINDEX, India and Australia are also strengthening their naval capabilities, aiming to ensure freedom of navigation and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. U.S.-Philippines Enhanced Defence Agreement Expansion The U.S. and the Philippines have intensified their partnership by expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to include two new strategically located military sites. Situated near contested maritime areas, these sites underscore the U.S. commitment to helping the Philippines counter illegal fishing and maintain sovereignty. The expanded EDCA sites improve both countries’ rapid-response capabilities and represent a forward position close to Taiwan and the South China Sea, regions fraught with maritime disputes. Japan-UK Reciprocal Defence and European Engagement Japan’s 2024 Reciprocal Defence Agreement with the UK is another example of the increasing European involvement in Indo-Pacific security. The UK’s rotational deployment of forces to Japan ensures rapid response capabilities and signals solidarity with Japan against potential threats near the East China Sea. These joint efforts enhance not only Japan’s defence framework but also broaden European interests in maintaining stability in Asia. Broader Geopolitical Implications and ASEAN’s Role The rising tensions and expanding alliances in the Indo-Pacific have also highlighted ASEAN’s centrality to regional security. Under Indonesia’s 2024 chairmanship, ASEAN has pushed for more inclusive security frameworks through the ASEAN Maritime Security Framework. This initiative includes collective security exercises aimed at disaster
response and counter-piracy operations, providing a platform for smaller nations to assert their sovereignty without aligning too closely with any major power.
ASEAN’s diplomatic efforts to promote a code of conduct in the South China Sea reflect a balanced approach to the U.S.-China rivalry, fostering dialogue to prevent escalations in maritime tensions. ASEAN’s role is crucial as it provides a stabilising voice amidst the competing interests of larger powers. Conclusion: Toward a Resilient and Collaborative Indo-Pacific Security Landscape The evolving partnerships in the Indo-Pacific reflect a multipolar approach to security that balances both power and cooperation. As nations like India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. deepen alliances, they contribute to a collective security framework designed to maintain peace and deter aggression, particularly from China’s assertive stance in the region. These partnerships, while focused on defence, also encompass economic and technological cooperation, indicating that the region’s stability depends on an integrated approach to security. While these alliances bolster Indo-Pacific resilience, they also present challenges. The increasing security alignment against China has intensified diplomatic tensions, potentially escalating military posturing in the future. However, with continued collaboration, nations in the Indo-Pacific may foster a stable environment that not only serves
regional interests but also contributes to global security and prosperity. As 2024 unfolds, these partnerships offer a glimpse into an increasingly interconnected and resilient Indo-Pacific, where multilateral alliances and defence innovations shape the future of regional stability.
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