New Delhi: India is considering joining the ‘Squad,’ an informal multilateral grouping that focuses on countering China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. The group currently includes Japan, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines, with plans to invite India and South Korea.
Strengthening Maritime Security
The proposal to invite India was highlighted by General Romeo S. Brawner, the Philippines’ Armed Forces Chief, during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. He emphasized that India shares common security concerns with other Squad members due to China’s increasing militarization of the region.
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Informal but Effective Alliance
While Squad remains an informal grouping, its member nations have been conducting joint maritime activities in the South China Sea for over a year. General Brawner noted that the Squad focuses on:
- Joint military exercises and operations
- Intelligence sharing and maritime security
- Collaborative efforts to deter Chinese aggression
Tensions in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a crucial maritime trade route, with over $3 trillion worth of trade passing through it annually. However, China unilaterally claims almost the entire region as its territory, despite a 2016 UN court ruling rejecting these claims. Beijing continues to disregard the sovereignty of neighboring nations, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
Shared Security Concerns
General Brawner highlighted India’s role as a key strategic partner, stating, “We find commonality with India because we have a common enemy. China is our common enemy, and it’s important that we collaborate, exchange intelligence, and work together.”
India’s Strategic Role
The Philippines already maintains a defence partnership with India, and General Brawner plans to formally invite India to join the Squad during his meeting with India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. However, a senior Indian defence official later indicated that no formal discussions on the matter had taken place yet.
Expanding Regional Cooperation
If India joins the Squad, it will complement its existing engagements under the Quad framework, enhancing India’s role in securing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
