- The geopolitical scenario around the globe is set to realign with newer alliances getting forged in the next few years. There are two obvious reasons for the strategic shifts observed around. One, China’s unbridled aggression, ambition, and scant disregard for international territorial integrity has stirred the hornet’s nest forcing like-minded countries to join forces. Second, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has also hugely contributed to the process of realignment amongst the allies. Yet another important aspect closely related to the present churning that should pose serious thinking amongst the global community is the growing friendship between China and Russian autocrats. No wonder, strategists are having busy days to counter the move.
PC: Kadri Liik
- As you are aware, the Quad summit in Tokyo was recently concluded. In an intimidating move, Russian and Chinese military planes conducted a joint exercise close to Japan’s airspace, which was hosting the Quad summit, to scramble its own jets in response. Note that this was the first joint exercise between Beijing and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and showcases increasing military convergence between them. Add to it, equally portentous is the Russian defense minister ominously mentioning his country’s operations in Ukraine will continue until all objectives are met. This shows Moscow is in no mood to end the war anytime soon and is preparing for a long-drawn-out conflict portending further challenges for the entire world per se.
- As things stand now, both Russia and China have decided to form a close strategic-military compact to take on what they see as Western hegemony and rewrite the international rules-based order. Understandably, both countries also nurse deep-seated grudges. While the Russian leadership as embodied by President Vladimir Putin never fully got over the collapse of the Soviet Union, China wants to right what it sees as 100 years of humiliation between the 19th and 20th centuries and restore the glory of the Middle Kingdom. Further, both countries are coordinating their foreign policies to achieve mutual goals thereby throwing a serious possibility that Beijing will use Moscow for its strategic security aims in the Indo-Pacific.
PC: Dr. Santhosh Mathew
- Unfolding events certainly place India in a tough spot given its considerable military ties to Russia and its continuing confrontation with China along the Eastern border. We know New Delhi has pretty much stuck to its ingrained non-aligned position, refusing to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Yes, Indian foreign policy must serve our interests, but the current geopolitical situation demands that New Delhi takes issue-based stands along with the West. Thus, perpetually staying neutral on Russia if the Ukraine war gets even uglier, as indications point, and as the Moscow-Beijing axis gets stronger is not a smart diplomatic position for India. The Indian establishment must revisit its strategies pragmatically and smartly from now on.
