- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Trump Core Five Plan: A bold geopolitical idea reportedly circulating in Washington has sparked intense debate a proposed “Core Five” or C5 grouping that would bring together the United States, India, Russia, China and Japan, potentially emerging as a rival power club to the Europe-dominated G7.
Though the White House has not clarified the existence of any such formal proposal, American publication Politico reported that the concept appeared in an unpublished version of the US National Security Strategy.
A New Power Bloc To Replace G7?
According to Politico, the speculated Core-5 plan envisions a forum of major population and military-economic powers that would not be restricted by the G7’s conditions of wealth and democratic governance. The grouping would reportedly meet regularly, similar to G7 summits, with its first agenda centred on Middle East security, particularly the long-sought normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The idea aligns with comments President Donald Trump made earlier this year at the G7 Summit, where he argued that excluding Russia was a “very big mistake” and insisted China should also be at the table. Trump has repeatedly advocated deal-making among strong powers, even amid escalations in tariffs and strategic tensions with India, China and Russia.
Though Press Secretary Anna Kelly has denied that any alternate or secret version of the national security plan exists. Despite this, several security analysts told Politico that the idea is “plausible” and fits Trump’s worldview, which they describe as non-ideological and driven by engagement with strong leaders who wield influence in their regions.
The updated National Security Strategy, released last week, already rattled European capitals. The document claimed Europe was heading towards “civilisation erasure” and suggested the US should support political forces challenging EU policies. Analysts say the Core-5 buzz surfaced at a sensitive moment, heightening fears about weakening NATO unity, and a US shift away from traditional Western alliances.
India’s Position As Washington’s Key Partner
Speculation around India joining an exclusive superclub comes as India-US ties show signs of recovery after months of strain triggered by Washington’s 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have spoken multiple times in recent months, with the PM describing Thursday’s call as “very warm”.
Officials on both sides are pushing to break the deadlock on an overdue trade agreement, even as the US continues expressing concerns over India’s imports of discounted Russian oil. For Washington, bringing India into a strategic bloc would signal a major recalibration of global priorities.
Though the Core-5 remains speculative, it stirred diplomatic circles, especially as the US seeks new ways to navigate a multipolar world. Whether it replaces or rivals the G7, or remains just a Washington rumour, the proposal underscores the fluid geopolitical landscape of Trump’s second term.