India May Join Squad to Strengthen Security in the South China Sea

As the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) continues to expand its influence across the Indo-Pacific, India is now considered for another crucial multilateral alliance focusing on the South China Sea—informally known as the ‘Squad.’ Currently comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, the Squad wants to invite India and South Korea to join its ranks.

The move comes amid growing tensions in the South China Sea, where China's military presence has been a point of concern for regional powers. General Romeo S. Brawner, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, revealed these plans at the Raisina Dialogue, a high-profile multilateral conference held in New Delhi. "Together with Japan and our partners, we are trying to expand the Squad to include India and probably South Korea," General Brawner stated.

Though the Squad remains an informal grouping, it has already been conducting joint maritime operations in the South China Sea for over a year. These exercises are aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in contested waters. The Philippines and Japan, both facing direct challenges from China's aggressive maritime policies, have been keen to expand the alliance and strengthen regional deterrence.

General Brawner’s remarks were made during a panel discussion on Indo-Pacific security, where he was joined by top military officials, including Japan’s defence leadership, the chief of the Indian Navy, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Australia’s chief of Joint Operations. Their presence at the discussion highlighted the growing cooperation among these nations in ensuring regional stability.

India, a key player in the Indo-Pacific, has so far maintained a balanced approach in its strategic engagements. While firmly committed to the Quad alongside the US, Japan, and Australia, New Delhi has been cautious about joining alliances that may be perceived as directly targeting China. However, India’s growing defence ties with the Philippines and Japan, coupled with its active participation in regional maritime security, suggest that the Squad’s expansion could be a natural progression of its strategic interests.

The invitation to India also comes at a time when New Delhi has been strengthening its defense partnerships with Southeast Asian nations. In recent years, India has enhanced maritime cooperation with the Philippines, including defence exports and naval exercises. Additionally, India’s involvement in the Squad could align with its broader vision of the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the principles of freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and regional stability.

While India has not yet officially responded to the proposal, its inclusion in the Squad would mark a significant development in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. If New Delhi decides to join, it would not only deepen India’s security commitments in the region but also enhance its strategic coordination with like-minded partners against China’s maritime expansion.

For now, the Squad remains an evolving framework, but with the potential addition of India and South Korea, it could soon emerge as a formidable counterweight in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the highly contested waters of the South China Sea.