India May Join ‘Squad’ Military Alliance Focused on South China Sea Security:

India may soon join a strategic military alliance named 'Squad' alongside the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. The alliance is primarily aimed at countering China's dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on enhancing security in the South China Sea. The partnership will involve intelligence exchange, joint military exercises, and operations to strengthen the defense capabilities of member nations in the region.

Philippines Advocates for India’s Inclusion in the Alliance

While the Squad is an informal grouping, the member nations have already conducted joint maritime activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea since the previous year. The Philippines has been a strong advocate for India’s inclusion in the alliance, as the South Asian nation is seen as an important ally in countering China’s growing influence in the region.

General Romeo S. Brawner, the Philippines' Armed Forces chief, highlighted the shared interest between the Philippines and India, emphasizing their common concern over China. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue security forum in New Delhi, Brawner stated, “Together with Japan and our partners, we are trying to expand the squad to include India and probably South Korea. We find commonality with India because we have a common enemy. And I’m not afraid to say that China is our common enemy.”

China’s Claims in the South China Sea

China asserts nearly complete control over the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which approximately $3 trillion in annual trade passes. This claim disregards the sovereignty of several countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The 2016 arbitration ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s expansive claims, has been ignored by Beijing.

The Philippines, with growing concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the region, continues to work on strengthening its military capabilities, including increasing cooperation within the Squad framework. This collaboration will focus on intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and operations to deter further Chinese expansion in the region.

India’s Role in Regional Security through Quad and Squad

India’s potential inclusion in the Squad alliance aligns with its existing role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a strategic partnership with the US, Japan, and Australia. The Quad’s primary objective is to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region, countering China’s rising influence.

Philippines Eyeing More Military Cooperation with India

As part of its efforts to enhance its military deterrence, the Philippines is also looking into procuring additional missile systems from India. General Brawner confirmed that the Philippines already has the BrahMos missile system and is awaiting delivery of additional components. He expressed satisfaction with the BrahMos system’s performance, noting that it has played a crucial role in bolstering the country’s deterrent capabilities in the South China Sea.