During a recent Raisina Dialogue security forum in Delhi, Romeo Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, extended an invitation to India to become part of the Asian “Squad” – a term Pentagon officials coined last year to describe the
collaborative military partnership between the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. The proposed cooperation would involve intelligence sharing focused on monitoring China, which Brawner referred to as a “common enemy.”
This development comes as the Philippines emerges as a crucial element in America’s renewed focus on Asia, particularly regarding Chinese containment efforts. While India already participates in the Quad alliance alongside the US, Australia, and Japan, it has consistently maintained its strategic independence, refusing to become subordinate to American interests despite sharing concerns about China.
The timing is significant, as India and China had recently shown signs of improving relations following their leaders’ meeting during the October BRICS Summit in Kazan. However, Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency has altered India’s strategic considerations, given his tough stance on China and emphasis on Asian regional policy.
Indian decision-makers may see potential benefits in sharing intelligence with their Philippine counterparts through the Squad framework, potentially setting the groundwork for an expanded intelligence-sharing network similar to the Five Eyes alliance. This increased cooperation with US military planning regarding China could potentially help India avoid trade pressures from the Trump
administration, though this remains speculative.
However, such a move carries risks. China might interpret India’s participation in the Squad as a sign of Delhi yielding to Washington’s influence, which could reignite border tensions and reverse the diplomatic progress achieved last autumn. While bilateral intelligence sharing with the Philippines might still concern Beijing, it would be less provocative than India formally joining the Squad alliance.
A possible middle-ground approach could see India enhancing its security partnership with the Philippines independently, without formally integrating into the Squad structure. This strategy would allow India to maintain positive relations with the US while avoiding the appearance of joining an explicitly anti-Chinese coalition, thereby preserving its sovereign decision-making capacity.
India faces a delicate balancing act in the context of America’s renewed focus on Asia under Trump’s leadership. Maintaining too much distance from US-led initiatives could strain relations with Washington, while too close an alignment could antagonize Beijing. The challenge lies in finding an equilibrium that serves India’s national security interests while preserving its strategic autonomy.
As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve in the Indo-Pacific region, India’s response to the Squad invitation will be closely watched by all major powers. The decision will require careful consideration of multiple factors, including regional stability, bilateral relationships, and India’s long-term strategic objectives. While India has demonstrated expertise in managing complex
international relationships, the current situation presents a particularly challenging diplomatic puzzle.
This development represents another chapter in the ongoing realignment of power dynamics in Asia, where traditional alliances are being tested and new security arrangements are emerging. India’s ultimate decision regarding the Squad invitation could have significant implications for regional security architecture and the broader balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.