By: Zahoor Hussain Bhat
Chandler Compton arrived in New Delhi in November 2024 as a Fulbright-Nehru scholar to research India’s role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad), and study Hindi through a Critical Language Enhancement Award. Under the direction of Shankari Sundararaman, chair of the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Compton’s research will identify strategies for the Quad members—the United States, Australia, India and Japan—to build resilient, sustainable supply chains that enhance economic growth and geopolitical stability in the region.
Compton, who earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and English from Wofford College in South Carolina, served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and completed his active-duty service in November 2024. While stationed in Mount Fuji and Okinawa, Japan, Compton led logistics operations and collaborated with American partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
Excerpts from an interview.
What motivated you to research India’s role in the Quad, and why did you choose to focus on supply chains?
While serving as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Japan, I saw firsthand how Indo-Pacific logistics networks shape operational outcomes, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. I became curious about the role of India and South Asia in the world’s supply chain ecosystem and its impact on global commerce. My Fulbright-Nehru award has provided my first experience in India and created an opportunity to understand this fascinating country and region.
How did your experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps solidify your interest in the Indo-Pacific region?
As a U.S. Marine in Japan, I often studied how the Indo-Pacific will shape the world over the coming decades. My travels through East and Southeast Asia also built an intense curiosity about Asia’s history, cultures, and geopolitical climate, fueling my desire to engage the region throughout my career.
What is India’s role and strategic significance in strengthening supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region?
India’s strategic location, ongoing infrastructure expansion, and demographic trends are key dynamics that position the country as an increasingly attractive hub for global investment. Through partnerships with Indo-Pacific allies, India can provide a place to build a reliable, sustainable and innovative ecosystem that serves the global market.
How do you define resilient supply chains in the context of the Quad?
The Quad countries and their Indo-Pacific partners need to develop supply chains that are diversified, transparent and sustainable to withstand shocks in the future. Infrastructure investments, streamlined regulations and information-sharing agreements are key to strengthening trade networks through the Quad’s leadership.
What is the Quad’s role in advancing regional stability and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific?
The Quad’s partnerships—both among its members and with shared allies—have enormous potential to drive long-term regional integration and stability across the Indo-Pacific. The Quad can foster the cross-border exchange of not only goods and services, but also ideas, culture and talent. I hope my career will allow me to play a part in realizing that shared future.
How do you see the U.S.-India relationship evolving within the Quad framework?
The U.S.-India relationship forms a powerful cornerstone of the Quad. As U.S.-India strategic interests align, deeper economic ties and supply chain resilience should remain top priorities. In an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment, the relationships within the Quad will play a significant role in fostering a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
This article is published as part of a special arrangement between Kashmir Images and SPAN Magazine, the publication of the U.S. Embassy in India (https://spanmag.state.gov/resilient-supply-chains-strengthening-security/ ).
