• India has been invited to join the multilateral alliance, Squad, aimed at countering China’s influence in the South China Sea.

About Squad

• Formation: Established in 2024, consisting of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.
• Objective: Conduct joint maritime activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea to address strategic tensions and counter China’s growing influence.
• Expansion Plan: Plans to invite India and South Korea to enhance its scope and strategic impact.

India’s Current Position

• India is a member of Quad, an informal grouping with the US, Japan, and Australia, focusing on maintaining a strategic balance and countering China’s dominance in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
• Difference: While Quad operates at a broader, strategic level in the Indo-Pacific, Squad focuses specifically on the South China Sea region.