What's new

Russia: India-China escalation would further trigger regional instability

FOOLS_NIGHTMARE

ELITE MEMBER
Joined
Sep 26, 2018
Messages
18,063
Reaction score
12
Country
United Kingdom
Location
United Kingdom
Russia on Thursday said any escalation in the border tension between India and China amid the global turbulence and unpredictability would further trigger regional instability in Eurasia. And other players could misuse this friction in their geo-political purpose.

The Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said Russia is “naturally concerned” over the tensions between the two Asian powers. It was “very important” for both the countries to engage more in “constructive dialogue”, he said at a media briefing.

Referring to both India and China, members of the SCO and BRICS groupings, Babushkin said respectful dialogue would be a main tool, when it comes to cooperation in the framework of multilateral platforms. “It is clear that amid global turbulence and unpredictability, the escalation would further affect regional instability in Eurasia. Other players could misuse the escalation we are witnessing, in their geo-political purposes,” he said.

“We feel it is very important to encourage both our friendly Asian countries to be more engaged in constructive dialogue. Recent news about their commitment to exercise restraint and continue communication through diplomatic and military channels to remove tensions are absolutely welcoming developments,” he added.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over six months. Both sides are now working on proposals on disengagement of troops from the high-altitude region.


The Eurasian region has also been witnessing turmoil in the last few months primarily due to rising cases of coronavirus and tense relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

“Russia remains in a unique position since it has special strategic relations with both India and China. And these relationships are independent in nature. We are naturally concerned with the current tensions between India and China. However, we believe that a peaceful solution is inevitable sooner rather than later,” Babushkin said.

“Both are global and responsible neighbouring powers with huge economic and defence potential as well as civilisational wisdom,” he added.

When asked whether the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the BRICS groups can play a role in defusing tensions between two of their member nations, the Russian diplomat said both the groupings have developed mechanisms for positive engagements.

“Certainly respectful dialogue is the main tool when it comes to cooperation in the framework of the SCO and BRICS. Both associations have developed dozens of mechanisms of sector wise cooperation. And, let me assure you, that their relevant interest is growing,” he said.


The BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Asked about growing ties between India and the US, Babushkin said Russia does not see any problem in the relations. New Delhi does not provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments, he added.

“New Delhi is a global power with multi-faceted and wide and diversified national interests and we respect that. India does not provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments,” he said. At the same time, the Russian Deputy Chief of Mission made a veiled reference to the “threat” by the US to India to not go ahead with mega defence deals.

“We know that there were attempts to pressure India. And unfair and illegal competition tools such as threats of sanctions and other restrictions used,” he said.

In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

Talking about regional cooperation, Babushkin also mentioned about the Russia-India-China trilateral grouping. “Let’s not forget about another very important trilateral mechanism, RIC, which India will chair next year. We are confident that it is well-designed to ensure a positive atmosphere and to expand its practical agenda,” he said.

 

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom