The Philippines appealed to India to join the emerging Raksha coalition ‘Squad’ to combat China’s growing influence and aggression in the Indo-Pacific sector. This alliance is currently established between the US, Australia, Japan and the Philippines. This initiative comes at a time when tension between China and the Philippines is increasing in the South China Sea.
Demand for expansion of ‘squad’ in Raisina dialogue
During the Raisina dialogue held in New Delhi, Romeo S.K. The brilliant emphasized the subject. times of India According to the report of, he said,
“We want to expand the ‘squad’ with Japan and our colleagues, including India and possibly South Korea.”
Underlining the shared interests of India and the Philippines, the General Shrown also said that the two countries have a “shared enemy”, with a clear indication towards China.
‘Squad’: Emerging military alliance
‘Squad’ is an informal military alliance, the main objective is to share military cooperation, intelligence information and to do joint exercises. Since last year, member countries of this coalition have launched joint maritime activities in the South China Sea in the Special Economic Zone of the Philippines.
The General Browman said that he would meet India’s defense staff chief General Anil Chauhan and would make a formal proposal to join India in the ‘squad’.
China’s growing military presence and threat
China’s dominance increased in South China Sea
During the Raisina dialogue, the military officers of the Philippines were also on a platform along with the top military officials of ‘Quad’ countries – India, America, Australia and Japan. During this time, the main theme of discussion was China’s increasing aggression.
General Browman said that China has strengthened its grip by creating three artificial islands in the South China Sea. They said,
“China has prepared a 2.7 km long runway on Mishchif Reef, where air defense and missile systems have also been deployed. It is clear that China is preparing to establish its control over the entire South China Sea.”
Disregard international laws
China claims almost the entire region of the South China Sea, increasing its conflict with countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.
In 2016, an international tribunal rejected China’s claim, but Beijing refused to accept the decision. The region is the route of 3 trillion dollar trade every year, which increases its strategic and economic importance even more.
India-Filippines Defense Cooperation and BrahMos deal
The general brown also stated that India and the Philippines are already cooperating in the military and defense industry.
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BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal:
- In April 2023, India handed over the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines.
- The deal was worth $ 375 million and strengthened India-Failipines defense relations.
- These missiles will make the Philippines’ marine security more effective.
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Shared Intelligence and Defense Cooperation:
- The brown emphasized that there is a need to share intelligence information between India and the Philippines and increase cooperation in the defense sector, making peace and stability in the field.
