Squad Alliance: India’s Potential Role in Countering China’s Aggression

Why in News?

The Philippines has proposed that India join the “Squad” defense alliance to counter China’s growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aims to strengthen regional security and unite like-minded countries to maintain stability and balance of power in the region.

What is the Squad Alliance?

The increasing geopolitical tensions and violations of regional sovereignty in the South China Sea (SCS) have prompted global powers to unite. In this context, an informal alliance known as the “Squad” was formed in 2024.

• This alliance comprises the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
• The focus of the alliance is on military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. 
• Beyond strategic security, the Squad aims to maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Background:
  • The formation of the Squad is rooted in specific strategic objectives. The growing Chinese incursions into the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea heightened military tensions in the region.
  • The West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea, has long been a point of contention between the Philippines and China. 
  • Despite the 2016 Hague Tribunal’s ruling in favor of the Philippines, China’s aggressive activities have continued.
  • In response to increasing Chinese pressure, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strengthened ties with the United States.
  • To address these challenges, the defense ministers of the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines met in Hawaii and decided to enhance maritime cooperation, resulting in the formation of the Squad.
• Objectives:
  • Enhancing Maritime Security: The South China Sea is a critical maritime route through which nearly 30% of global maritime trade passes. The alliance aims to keep this route open and secure, allowing countries to navigate according to international laws.
  • Ensuring Freedom of Navigation: China’s unilateral maritime claims and military expansion have threatened freedom of navigation. The Squad seeks to prevent any country from disrupting international waterways.
  • Protecting Regional Sovereignty: The alliance emphasizes defending the sovereignty of member nations. Through collective defense mechanisms, it aims to support countries in safeguarding their maritime boundaries.
  • Collective Defense Cooperation: Member countries collaborate on military exercises, technological partnerships, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning. This cooperation extends beyond security to include disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
  • Upholding Global Order: China’s increasing military activities violate international maritime laws (UNCLOS). The Squad aims to reinforce these laws and maintain a rules-based international order.

Member Countries and Their Roles

• United States (USA): The United States is a key strategic member of the Squad, focusing on military strength, diplomatic influence, and maintaining the rules-based international order.
  • Objective: To secure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and counter Chinese aggression.
  • Role: Provides military power and intelligence-sharing capabilities, forming the backbone of the alliance.
• Japan: Japan is a strategic ally of the United States with a focus on advanced military technology and maritime security.
  • Role: Actively participates in joint military exercises and provides technological support.
• Australia: Australia plays a crucial role in maritime security and strategic balance. It is one of the leading countries opposing China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Objective: To strengthen strategic partnerships with the US and Japan while countering China’s dominance.
  • Role: Shares intelligence and actively participates in maritime exercises.
• Philippines: The Philippines is the most directly affected by China’s maritime aggression, making its participation in the alliance strategically significant.
  • Objective: To protect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
  • Role: Conducts joint military exercises with the US and other allies to defend its maritime boundaries.

India’s Role in Global Alliances

India has carved out a unique identity in international diplomacy. Whether in Quad or other multilateral platforms, India focuses on global stability and power balance.

• Presence in Quad: India is a member of the Quad (United States, Japan, Australia, and India), which aims to balance China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strategic Partnerships: India’s partnerships extend beyond security to include trade, technology, and strategic interests.
• Influence in the Indo-Pacific: India is not just countering China’s dominance but is also fostering regional stability and development.
• India is currently not a member of the Squad, but its growing diplomatic outreach makes it a strong candidate for inclusion.
• Impact of India’s Inclusion:
  • Could significantly influence the power balance in the South China Sea.
  • Would enhance coordination among member nations, strengthening global power dynamics.
• India’s Strategic Leverage:
  • Its naval strength and diplomatic influence could bolster maritime security.
  • Its participation could foster better cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations.

Difference Between Quad and Squad

Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region

The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most strategically, economically, and politically active areas in the world. Spanning across four continents — Asia, Africa, Australia, and America — this region holds immense geopolitical importance and serves as a hub for global economy, trade routes, and strategic security. It is home to 60% of the world’s population.

• The Indo-Pacific drives the global economy, accounting for two-thirds of the world’s economic output. A significant portion of global trade passes through this region. Connectivity initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and America’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy promote economic integration.
• Maintaining strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific remains a major challenge for global powers. The presence of influential nations such as India, China, the United States, and Russia further underscores its importance. Organizations like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) play a crucial role in ensuring regional security and stability.
• India plays a distinctive role in the Indo-Pacific. Its diplomatic policy is based on the principles of democracy, freedom, and a rules-based order. India supports a unified ASEAN, opposing China’s “divide and rule” policy. 
• The Indo-Pacific is not only strategically and economically significant but also plays a crucial role in global climate balance. The region’s marine biodiversity is an integral part of the Earth’s ecosystem.

Challenges for the Squad Alliance

The Squad alliance was formed to counter China’s aggression, but like any diplomatic coalition, it may face several challenges:

• Regional Stability: The primary goal of the Squad is to balance China’s aggression, but China’s hostile response increases the risk of military confrontation. Growing military activities in the region could hinder long-term peace.
• Perception of Smaller Nations: Smaller neighboring countries view the alliance as a power struggle among major nations, affecting their neutrality. Many nations prefer to stay neutral to avoid becoming part of the geopolitical rivalry.
• Divergence of Interests: The success of the alliance depends on the shared interests of its members. Differences in strategic priorities may arise over time, potentially weakening the alliance.
  • Several members have economic dependencies on China, which could affect their long-term commitment.
• International Pressure: The United Nations has not taken a clear stance on China’s activities in the South China Sea, raising questions about the Squad’s legitimacy.
  • Many nations prefer non-alignment over military blocs, limiting the Squad’s acceptability.

Explore our Books: https://apnipathshala.com/product-category/books/

Explore Our test Series: https://tests.apnipathshala.com/