India and China are locked in a bitter border confrontation in eastern Ladakh for more than six months.
New Delhi:
Russia said on Thursday that any escalation in border tension between India and China amid global turbulence and unpredictability would further trigger regional instability in Eurasia, and the friction may be misused by other players for its geopolitical purpose.
In an online press conference, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said Russia is “naturally concerned” about tensions between the two Asian powers, noting that it was “very important” for both countries to engage more in a “constructive dialogue. “.
Referring to both India and China being members of the SCO and BRICS groups, Babushkin said respectful dialogue is a primary tool when it comes to cooperation under multilateral platforms.
“It is clear that amid global turbulence and unpredictability, the escalation between India and China would further affect the regional instability in our common home Eurasia. The escalation we are witnessing may be misused by other actors for their geopolitical purposes.” said.
“We believe that it is very important to encourage our two Asian friends to engage more in a constructive dialogue. Recent news of their commitment to exercise restraint and continue communication through diplomatic and military channels to de-escalate tensions are absolutely positive developments. “he added.
India and China are locked in a bitter border confrontation in eastern Ladakh for more than six months. Both sides are now working on proposals for troop withdrawal from the high-altitude region.
The Eurasian region has also seen turmoil in recent months, mainly due to the increase in coronavirus cases and the strained relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
“Russia remains in a unique position as it has special strategic relations with India and China and these relations are independent by nature. We are naturally concerned about the current tensions between India and China. However, we believe that a peaceful solution is inevitable sooner in instead of later, “Babushkin said.
“Both are global and responsible neighboring powers with enormous economic and defense potential, as well as civilizing wisdom,” he added.
When asked if the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS groups can play a role in defusing tensions between two of their member countries, the Russian diplomat said that both groups have developed mechanisms for positive engagements.
“Certainly respectful dialogue is the main cooperation tool within the SCO and BRICS framework. Both associations have developed dozens of sectoral cooperation mechanisms and I assure you that their relevant interest is growing,” he said.
The BRICS comprise Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
When asked about the growing ties between India and the United States, Babushkin said that Russia does not see any problems in the relations, adding that New Delhi offers no reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments.
“New Delhi is a world power with multifaceted, broad and diversified national interests and we respect that. India does not offer 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 US “threat” to India not to go ahead with mega defense deals.
“We know that there were attempts to pressure India and use unfair and illegal competition tools, such as threats of sanctions and other restrictions,” he said.
In October 2018, India had signed a $ 5 billion deal with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defense missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract could provoke US sanctions.
Speaking of regional cooperation, Babushkin also mentioned the Russia-India-China trilateral grouping.
“Let us not forget another very important trilateral mechanism, the RIC, which will be chaired by India next year. We are confident that it is well designed to ensure a positive atmosphere and broaden its practical agenda,” he said.
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