Speculation is growing in diplomatic circles over reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is exploring the creation of a new “Core-5” strategic grouping — one that would reportedly include India as a central partner. Though the White House has not issued any official confirmation, discussions in Washington and major world capitals suggest that the proposed alliance could mark one of the most significant foreign-policy shifts in Trump’s second term.
According to sources familiar with early-stage deliberations, the “Core-5” concept is envisioned as a high-level security and economic bloc aimed at countering China’s influence, safeguarding global supply chains, and strengthening cooperation among like-minded democracies. The grouping is believed to potentially include the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and one additional partner—possibly the United Kingdom or South Korea.
Analysts say the idea appears to be an upgraded, more tightly coordinated version of the Quad, which already brings together the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. However, unlike the Quad, which operates on consensus and loosely defined objectives, the Core-5 is expected to be more formal, strategic, and action-oriented.
Reports also indicate that the U.S. is particularly keen on elevating India’s role, given New Delhi’s growing economic weight, its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, and its increasing alignment with Washington on issues ranging from supply-chain security to technology standards.
Trump has, in recent weeks, hinted at the need for “a new alliance of strong partners” capable of shaping global order in an era of heightened geopolitical competition. While he has not specifically mentioned India’s inclusion, his administration’s diplomatic overtures and back-channel conversations have fueled talk of India being a “natural fit” for the emerging framework.
Indian officials, meanwhile, have maintained a cautious stance, noting that New Delhi would evaluate any U.S.-led security architecture based on national interest, strategic autonomy, and long-term regional stability.
Foreign-policy experts say that while the proposal remains in its conceptual phase, its mere discussion underscores how central India has become to U.S. strategic planning. If materialised, the Core-5 could significantly deepen cooperation in defence, technology, energy, and critical minerals—areas that both nations already prioritise.
For now, the world is watching closely as Washington shapes its early foreign-policy agenda. With the Indo-Pacific emerging as the primary theatre of global competition, any new alliance led by the U.S. — especially one that elevates India — could have far-reaching geopolitical impact.
