‘South Asian Quad?’

THE concept of ‘minilateralism’ is relatively new in international politics. In an evolving global environment, states are avoiding hardcore military alliances and embracing like-minded countries for issue-based cooperation. Some recent examples of such alliances are the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region and I2U2 in the Middle East. Pakistan seems to have learned this lesson and is following a similar path to secure its interests in the South Asian region.

During May and June, Pakistan, with China’s help...