Freedom of Navigation in Indian Ocean

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India said that India wants the Quad to become a system to “ensure Freedom of Navigation (FoN) and Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPS)” in the Indian Ocean, while highlighting the threat of a combined challenge from Pakistan and China on two fronts.
The full form of ‘Quad’ is Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
It is an informal strategic dialogue between four countries i.e. United States, Japan, Australia and India.
The idea of Quad or Quadrilateral grouping was first proposed by Japanese prime minister in 2007.
Quad was ceased following the withdrawal of Australia. However, during the 2017 ASEAN Summits, all four former members re-joined in negotiations to revive the quadrilateral alliance.
It underlines the rising significance of maritime geopolitics in an increasingly integrated world.
The Quad grouping is regarded as an answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is establishing a China-centric trade route.