India and China have been stuck in a border standoff 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 that the frictions could be misused by others. actors in their geopolitical objective.
During an online press briefing, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said Russia was “understandably concerned” about the tensions between the two Asian powers, noting that it was “very important” to both countries to engage more in a “constructive dialogue”.
Referring to the fact that India and China are members of the SCO and BRICS groupings, Babushkin said respectful dialogue is a main tool for cooperation in multilateral platforms.
“It is clear that in the midst of global turbulence and unpredictability, the escalation between India and China would further affect regional instability in our common Eurasia home. The escalation we are witnessing can be used to misuse by other actors for their geopolitical purposes, ”he said.
“We believe it is very important to encourage our two friendly Asian countries to engage more in constructive dialogue. Recent news regarding their commitment to exercise restraint and continue to communicate through diplomatic and military channels to eliminating tensions are absolutely positive developments, ”he added.
India and China have been stuck in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh for more than six months. The two sides are currently working on proposals to disengage troops from the high altitude region.
The Eurasian region has also witnessed unrest in recent months, mainly due to the rise in coronavirus cases and strained relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
“Russia remains in a unique position as it maintains special strategic relations with India and China and these relations are independent in nature. We are understandably concerned about the current tensions between India and China. However, we believe that a peaceful solution is inevitable sooner rather than later, ”Mr. Babushkin said.
“The two are global and responsible neighbor powers with enormous economic and defense potential as well as civilizational wisdom,” he added.
When asked if the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS groups could play a role in easing tensions between two of their member countries, the Russian diplomat said the two groupings had developed mechanisms for positive commitments.
“Respectful dialogue is certainly the main tool of cooperation within the framework of the SCO and the BRICS. The two associations have developed dozens of sectoral cooperation mechanisms and let me assure you that their interest is growing”, a- he declared.
The BRICS include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Asked about the growing ties between India and the United States, Babushkin said Russia sees no problem in the relationship, adding that New Delhi does not provide any reason to doubt regarding multilateral and bilateral commitments. .
“New Delhi is a world power with multiple, broad and diverse national interests and we respect it. India gives no reason to doubt regarding multilateral and bilateral commitments,” he said.
At the same time, the Russian deputy head of mission made a veiled reference to the United States’ “threat” against India not to make mega defense deals.
“We know there have been attempts to put pressure on India and use tools of unfair and illegal competition such as threats of sanctions and other restrictions,” he said.
In October 2018, India 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 the continuation of the contract could lead to losses. US sanctions.
On regional cooperation, Mr. Babushkin also referred to 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 convinced that it is well designed to ensure a positive atmosphere and to broaden its practical program,” a- he declared.
