India must nowadays walk a fine line between China and the “Squad” in the context of Trump prioritizing the US’ “Pivot (back) to Asia” due to all that this grand strategic reorientation entails for India’s national security interests.
Before New Delhi could even listen to such a silly invitation, I may ask since when the United States and Australia became part of Asia? Whether Trump's 'Pivot to Asia' is real or not, India with a 1.4 billion people and mostly dependent on foreign arms, and is not in a position to sustain a long term conflict because of its inability to develop a strong domestic arms production, India must not consider itself as a part of any block or squad. India must develop strong relations with the Asian nations, and that includes China. Distant 'friends' will remain friends but it is also to be remembered that they are not next door.
'I may ask since when the United States and Australia became part of Asia?'
It happened in 2010. On the day when 3 U.S. nuclear submarines surfaced around China and delivered an unmistakable message to them who is leading/controlling this world. (supposedly)
Quite so. India is too smart to let that happen. Truth is India and China share a common border. Neither can afford overt posturing.
The US pivot to Asia is in any case doomed to failure - none of China's neighbours really want to go to war with China, least of all India which has periodic border skirmishes.
The Philippines govt saying China is an enemy is not wise - India would do well to stay well clear of this grouping.
India would be the one expected to actively go against China, while the US exits stage ⬅️ 👀
Other similar ideas closer to India may include: more cooperation and participation in suppressing pirates on the path from India to the Strait of Malacca; additional effort in dealing with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; fortifying the "chicken neck" to northeast India and increasing non-defense investment in that area; strengthen merchant marine and naval transport capacity to and from the Persian Gulf (there is a need for emergency evacuation of Indian nationals working in the Gulf area.) If these do not placate the Americans directly, then at least they are excuses for why India does not have that surplus to join that quad. Naval visits by one or two ships for training purposes may serve as a symbolic gesture but still can infuriate China.
India will most likely look at the map and realize that together with Japan and the Philippines it will be their own nation that will encircle China under U.S. management. And the next logical question is: What happens if the Chinese economy and military will outperform the U.S. in the next decades. The U.S. will simply walk away from the conflict and settle down as a regional power, torturing Greenland and Canada. However, India, the Philippines and Japan will still have to find a way to coexist with China as they are close by. As far as Australia is concerned, a giant very livable territory with relative low population, they might be a juicy Chinese target if things go wrong. Then, the leadership of India will realize that they should have learned their lesson from Ukraine. And this is just one version for a possible endplay here.
Before New Delhi could even listen to such a silly invitation, I may ask since when the United States and Australia became part of Asia? Whether Trump's 'Pivot to Asia' is real or not, India with a 1.4 billion people and mostly dependent on foreign arms, and is not in a position to sustain a long term conflict because of its inability to develop a strong domestic arms production, India must not consider itself as a part of any block or squad. India must develop strong relations with the Asian nations, and that includes China. Distant 'friends' will remain friends but it is also to be remembered that they are not next door.
'I may ask since when the United States and Australia became part of Asia?'
It happened in 2010. On the day when 3 U.S. nuclear submarines surfaced around China and delivered an unmistakable message to them who is leading/controlling this world. (supposedly)
It’s not in India’s interest to join squad. India will remain neutral.
Oh, the Chinese economy has long surpassed the US. Why do you think the US is trying to contain China - trying to activate Taiwan etc.
Quite so. India is too smart to let that happen. Truth is India and China share a common border. Neither can afford overt posturing.
The US pivot to Asia is in any case doomed to failure - none of China's neighbours really want to go to war with China, least of all India which has periodic border skirmishes.
The Philippines govt saying China is an enemy is not wise - India would do well to stay well clear of this grouping.
India would be the one expected to actively go against China, while the US exits stage ⬅️ 👀
Other similar ideas closer to India may include: more cooperation and participation in suppressing pirates on the path from India to the Strait of Malacca; additional effort in dealing with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; fortifying the "chicken neck" to northeast India and increasing non-defense investment in that area; strengthen merchant marine and naval transport capacity to and from the Persian Gulf (there is a need for emergency evacuation of Indian nationals working in the Gulf area.) If these do not placate the Americans directly, then at least they are excuses for why India does not have that surplus to join that quad. Naval visits by one or two ships for training purposes may serve as a symbolic gesture but still can infuriate China.
India will most likely look at the map and realize that together with Japan and the Philippines it will be their own nation that will encircle China under U.S. management. And the next logical question is: What happens if the Chinese economy and military will outperform the U.S. in the next decades. The U.S. will simply walk away from the conflict and settle down as a regional power, torturing Greenland and Canada. However, India, the Philippines and Japan will still have to find a way to coexist with China as they are close by. As far as Australia is concerned, a giant very livable territory with relative low population, they might be a juicy Chinese target if things go wrong. Then, the leadership of India will realize that they should have learned their lesson from Ukraine. And this is just one version for a possible endplay here.