India, Dec. 12 -- Speculation is swirling in Washington and global capitals after reports suggested that US PresidentDonald Trumpis exploring a powerful new geopolitical grouping called the "C5" or "Core Five."

This proposed forum would bring together five major powers - the United States, India, Russia, China and Japan - forming an elite alternative to traditional bodies like theG7that have long been dominated by Western democracies.

The idea first surfaced in Politico, which cited an extended, unpublished version of the White House's newly released National Security Strategy.

Though the existence of this longer draft remains unconfirmed, reports indicate it was initially mentioned by Defense One.

If created, the C5 would mark a dram...