Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Romeo Brawner extended an invitation to India, urging it to join the so-called Asian “Squad”—a strategic security partnership currently comprising the US, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, primarily aimed at containing China’s regional influence.
Brawner’s invitation underscores a major geopolitical shift. With the Philippines emerging as a central player in Washington’s renewed “Pivot (back) to Asia,” this alliance—an informal expansion of the existing AUKUS pact—is designed to ramp up pressure on China significantly.
India, already a key member of the Quad alongside the US, Japan, and Australia, stands at a delicate crossroads. While historically protective of its strategic autonomy, India’s calculations are now shifting due to Donald Trump’s aggressive stance toward China and his administration’s intensified focus on Asia. Trump’s presidency may encourage Delhi to deepen its engagement with US-led initiatives, including possibly joining or cooperating closely with the Squad through intelligence-sharing on their mutual adversary, China.
However, this step could trigger severe repercussions. India’s recent attempts at rapprochement with China—highlighted by productive talks during the BRICS Summit—might quickly collapse if Beijing views India’s involvement with the Squad as a blatant alignment with US interests. Such a scenario could reignite border tensions and undo hard-earned diplomatic progress.
Nevertheless, India’s cautious yet significant participation, perhaps through bilateral cooperation with the Philippines rather than formally joining the Squad, might enable Delhi to maintain its strategic autonomy while benefiting from closer ties with Washington. This nuanced approach could help India navigate the geopolitical tightrope, mitigating trade pressures from the US while minimizing provocation to China.
India’s decision represents a pivotal moment: Will India manage to balance delicately between two global giants, or will aligning too closely with the Squad ignite a new front of tension in an already volatile region? Stay tuned as India maneuvers through this complex strategic landscape.
