New Delhi: Expressing optimism, Foreign policy expert says that Russia has high stakes at the global level in de-escalating Sino-India tensions and is very much behind the scene to resolve the issue between the nations.
This came in the wake of the ongoing tension between India and China adhering to which Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the Russia-India-China (RIC) summit commented that both the country do not need outside help in resolving the dispute between the two countries and that they can solve them on their own.
"In the RIC format, it is Russia which is perhaps behind the scene to de-escalate tensions. On the other hand, a lot of water has flown under the bridge since RIC was conceived back in 2002. In 2002, there was a common objective between Indian Russia and China to create a multipolar world order to fulfil the aspirations of the emerging countries, today RIC's objective is to strike a balance with the U.S", said Rajorshi Roy a research analyst on domestic policies of Russia.
"Whereas, over the years, India has improved ties with Washington. There are certain journeys within RIC but it is also important because they formed the core of both BRIC's and SCO. RIC comprises Eurasian powers and India is not just a maritime power in Indo- pacific but also a continental power. Roy further underlines that RIC comprises more than 20% of the global landmass and almost 30-35 %of the global GDP", he pointed out.
On the other hand, India's External minister S. Jaishankar at the meeting called on all countries to respect international law and help build a durable world order. It is India's first meeting with Chinese officials after the Galway valley clash with Chinese troops in which 20 Indian soldiers had died last week.
Jaishankar also urged that the leading voices should respect international law, supporting multilateral cooperation and promoting partners.
"India's stand during the RIC meeting reiterating on multilateralism is welcoming, in today's world, all the countries like China, India, United States are promoting protectionism which violates the entire concept of multilateralism. Multilateralism could mean that the country should engage more and more but the tussle between India and China has given rise to tariffs", said Prof Rajan Kumar, School of International Studies, JNU.
Further Prof Rajan says, "RIC was important for Russia because if the conflict between India and China escalates further, it is going to damage the interest of Russia in the Indo -Pacific and Indian ocean in a major way because India will get closer to the United States, ultimately Russia would be the loser"
"Secondly, if the conflict escalates, the collateral damage would be felt in organizations like REC, BRICs and Russia has invested diplomatic and real material resources in creating BRICS, if the conflict goes on between the two countries, BRICS would fall apart", he added.
"Thirdly, if India gets closer to the U.S in terms of military requirements, the U.S which is already an important exporter of weapon to India is going to become number one exporter and Russia is going to lose out there also. More India strengthens its bond with the United States, Russia would be irritated by that factor. In a way, Russia has a very high interest in de-escalating the conflict because Russia is one country which has an excellent relationship with India and China. Russia is the only country which can play a positive role in diffusing the tension", he pointed out.
Moreover, during the RIC, the foreign minister shed light on India's role in World War-II that has not been acknowledged. He said that historical injustice has stood uncorrected for the last 75 years.
He also drew attention to India's significant contribution, with 2.3 million of its citizens under arms and 14 million more participating in war production. Indian blood was shed at the battlefields of the world, from Torbuk, El Alamein and Montecassino, to Singapore, Kohima and Borneo.
"Commenting on the importance of reforming multilateralism, Prof Rajan further added, "It is assertive of the fact that India should have a place in the UNSC and paly a better role in IMF and World Bank. India should become a member of UNSC. Countries like India and China have reaffirmed their faith in continuing dialogue through different forums like RIC. Some sort of Backchannel diplomacy is happening in resolving global conflict, "Kumar told ETV Bharat.
Security Council Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov further expressed hope that India can become a full-fledged member of the UN Security Council and said that India is a strong nominee to become a permanent member of UNSC and it supports India's candidacy.
"We hope that the situation will continue to be peaceful and they will continue to be committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes", Russian FM Sergei said.
Also read: Jaishankar spells out ethos of int'l ties in presence of Chinese FM
