‘South Asian Quad?’

I’m writing this while observing a clear shift in Pakistan’s regional diplomacy, which is now increasingly leaning toward minilateralism that is forming focused alliances with like-minded states for targeted cooperation. The article paints a vivid picture of how Pakistan, with strong backing from China, is warming up to countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh to stitch together a ‘South Asian Quad’ of sorts. With SAARC running out of steam and India’s strategic cold shoulder toward it, Islamabad has decided not to cry over spilled milk and instead create alternate routes to safeguard its regional interests. The trilateral talks with Afghanistan and Bangladesh aren’t just symbolic gestures but timely strategic moves, especially when New Delhi is trying to deepen BIMSTEC as its pet project.

What really adds meat to the matter is China’s growing role in the region, bringing with it economic muscle and strategic depth. From the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway to diplomatic thawing between Kabul and Islamabad, this new wave of trilateralism is bearing fruit. The article hits the nail on the head by pointing out that India’s paranoia about a China-Pakistan-driven regional club is not baseless. However, the big question mark still looms large: will these forums survive political changes, especially in countries like Bangladesh? Still, for now, Pakistan seems to be calling the shots at the right moment, capitalising on shifting regional sands and India’s own hesitancy.

Overview:

The article explores Pakistan’s strategic pivot toward forming minilateral alliances in South Asia, highlighting its trilateral engagements with Afghanistan and Bangladesh supported by China. With SAARC virtually dead in the water due to India’s resistance, Islamabad is pursuing alternative forums for regional influence, hoping to establish a ‘South Asian Quad’. The writer underscores the practicality, speed, and strategic edge of such focused alliances in contrast to large, stagnant regional organisations.

NOTES:

This article shares real-time examples of evolving diplomacy, trilateral dialogues, and geopolitical realignments. For questions on regional cooperation, Indo-Pak rivalry, China’s regional role, or the decline of SAARC, this article provides solid material. It also helps frame answers around alternative diplomacy models like minilateralism, which are gaining traction in the post-globalisation world.

Relevant CSS syllabus topics:

• Pakistan Affairs: Foreign policy of Pakistan, Regional cooperation, Relations with neighboring countries
• International Relations: Minilateralism, Strategic alliances, Regional security, China’s role in South Asia
• Current Affairs: SAARC and BIMSTEC dynamics, South Asian geopolitics
• Essay: Regionalism vs nationalism, Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy

Notes for Beginners:

Minilateralism is a new trend in diplomacy where countries form smaller groups for targeted cooperation. For instance, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan are working together on infrastructure like the Uzbekistan railway project. This is faster and more focused than traditional groups like SAARC, which includes eight countries and often faces political deadlock. Pakistan is now trying to build a similar partnership with Bangladesh. The idea is to avoid India’s interference and create cooperation on mutual interests like trade and security.

Facts and Figures:

• SAARC hasn’t held a summit since 2014
• India boycotted the 2016 SAARC summit hosted by Pakistan
• China has invested over $100 billion in South Asia through BRI
• All South Asian countries except India and Bhutan are part of the BRI
• Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway is a major trilateral project
• Trilateral forums recently held: May (Pakistan-Afghanistan-China) and June (Pakistan-Bangladesh-China)

To sum up, this article is a timely and sharply written piece that underlines Pakistan’s shifting diplomatic game plan. It reveals how Islamabad is wisely reading the regional tea leaves and reshaping its alliances to get out of SAARC’s shadow and beat New Delhi at its own game. The concept of a South Asian Quad may be nascent, but it reflects a larger trend where countries take their fate into their own hands, especially when old alliances have turned toothless. Whether this new bloc finds its feet or not, one thing is clear: Pakistan is no longer waiting for SAARC’s revival but is taking matters into its own hands.