The Philippines has called on India to join the ‘Squad’ alliance alongside the US, Japan, and Australia to counter China’s aggressive expansion in the South China Sea.
- The chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, highlighted China’s “illegal, coercive, and disruptive Grey Zone” tactics, including militarized artificial islands, and called for India and South Korea to be included in the alliance.
- During the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, senior military officials from the Quad nations and the Philippines discussed regional security challenges.
What is the ‘Squad’?
- The Squad remains an informal grouping
- Current members: Japan, Australia, US, Philippines 🇯🇵🇦🇺🇺🇸🇵🇭
- Potential new members: India & South Korea
- Focus: Countering China’s militarization & Grey Zone tactics
- Joint maritime activities for over a year
Why is India Being Invited?
- India is a regional power with strategic interests in Indo-Pacific security
- Strong defense ties with the Quad (US, Japan, Australia)
- Support for a rules-based global order & freedom of navigation
China’s Expansionist Moves
- Claims almost the entire South China Sea, disregarding international law
- Ignores 2016 UN Tribunal ruling against its territorial claims
- Constructs artificial militarized islands
(Source: Economic Times)
