Big Block of 4

For the first time in history, China which was moving towards the East is turning to South Asia and the Middle East and trying to play a role in the Indian Ocean region.
China’s interest in Iran was bolstered by decades of Anti-American sentiments there.
China’s aim would also be to contain India’s presence in the Middle-East and cut its influence and relations with Iran.
A destabilized Afghanistan can have its effect on India as they can support terror organizations in Kashmir and aid forces who can indulge in hijacking, kidnapping, drugs trade and other anti-national activities.
For India the happenings in the Middle East, one in Iran and other in Afghanistan, will be a test to its geopolitical strategy.

China’s assertiveness bordering on bullying and expansionism gradually increased to convince the Quad countries to revive the dialogue in 2017
India in conjunction with USA and Japan becomes an eyesore for the CCP because for China to be the ‘middle-kingdom’, India has to remain the second-fiddle in Asia
Quad is geared towards the strategy of ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FIPO), and there is only one country in the region that stands out for flouting UNCLOS rules, building artificial islands, territorial water disputes with many countries
A Chinese mouthpiece’s article creates a scenario wherein India seems to be stuck in a zero-sum game- if it chooses Quad, it loses BRICS
Quad is conceptualized exclusively with Chinese expansionism in mind, and its impact on the participating nations. It has clear strategic interests and implications.
BRICS help voice concerns of those neglected by the USA led world order dominated by the developed world to the disadvantage of the developing world.
BRICS is guided by long-term, legitimate goal of making the world order fairer for the global south.
However, if push comes to shove, and India does come to a point where she has to choose between being part of only one of the two groups, India should choose the Quad.

$400 Billion Iran-China Treaty and US Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan – How worried should India be?

Quad versus BRICS: Is it Either-Or for India?