The expanded format meeting between the two delegations was followed by a face-to-face conversation over a working lunch, lasting 3 and a half hours.
Following the summit, a Joint Statement Russia – India: Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity was adopted.
(Ed: Joint Statement below)
In addition, the two countries signed a package of documents before the Russian President’s meeting with the Prime Minister of India. They include an intergovernmental agreement on technology protection due to cooperation in space research and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes, and on building and operating launch vehicles and ground-based space infrastructure; an intergovernmental agreement on the Military-Technical Cooperation Programme for 2021–2031; as well as a protocol amending the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in manufacturing Kalashnikov series small arms of February 18, 2019.
The Central Bank of Russia and the Reserve Bank of India signed a cooperation agreement to fight cyber-attacks. Also, relevant agencies signed a number of agreements in the sphere of education and memoranda of cooperation on intellectual property and on geological exploration and prospecting.
The documents signed included a roadmap for cooperation in science, technology and innovation; a programme of cultural exchanges for 2021–2024; a protocol on the organisation of culture festivals between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India in 2022–2023; as well as documents amending the intergovernmental agreement on merchant shipping of December 23, 1994, and concerning Russian oil supplies in 2022.
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Beginning of Russian-Indian talks
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (retranslated): Your Excellency, my dear friend, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,
I would like to welcome you to the annual bilateral summit in New Delhi. I would also like to welcome all members of the Russian Federation delegation.
I know that this is only your second visit abroad for almost two years. This shows your personal commitment to our relations. You are visiting India despite all the pandemic difficulties and this shows your love of India.
Despite the pandemic-related complications, the development of bilateral India-Russia relations has not slowed. We continue strengthening our specially privileged strategic partnership.
We have maintained close cooperation in countering COVID-19, be it during testing vaccine production, providing humanitarian aid or helping people return home in a difficult time.
Your Excellency, 2021 is an important year for bilateral relations for various reasons: this year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation between India and the Soviet Union and two decades of strategic partnership. This is why I am so pleased to meet you in this special year because you have stood behind our strategic partnership over the past 20 years.
Many fundamental changes have taken place in the world in the past few decades. Various geopolitical formations have come into being, but one thing remained immune to change – the Russia-India friendship. Our countries not only cooperate with each other but also show special care for each other’s sensitive issues. This is indeed a unique, trust-based model of interstate friendship.
Your Excellency,
2021 is important for our strategic partnership as well. The first meeting of foreign ministers and defence ministers in the “2+2” format took place today and thus launched one more mechanism to strengthen practical cooperation.
We have maintained regular contact on Afghanistan and on a number of other issues as well. The interregional side of our partnership, which goes back to the Eastern Economic Forum and our summit in Vladivostok, has become a specific part of cooperation between the Russian Far East and various Indian states.
In the economy, we have adopted a long-term vision to reinforce our relationship. Our goal is to increase mutual trade to US$30 billion by 2025 and to increase mutual investment to US$50 billion. To do so, we must issue the proper assignments to our respective business communities.
The various agreements that were concluded today will help us expand cooperation as well. Our defence cooperation is being strengthened through joint development and production efforts under the Made in India programme. Cooperation in space and civilian nuclear energy is expanding as well.
I would like to congratulate Russia on obtaining observer status in the Non-Aligned Movement and dialogue partner status in the Indian Ocean Rim Association. We were delighted to support Russia’s presence in these associations.
India and Russia have similar positions on many regional and global issues. We will have the opportunity to exchange views on these matters during today’s meeting.
Your Excellency,
Once again, welcome to India. I would also like to welcome all members of the Russian delegation. Despite your busy schedule, you made the time to visit us, and we appreciate this. I am sure that our discussions today will be very productive for our relations.
Welcome again.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Prime Minister, my friend.
It is an honour and a privilege for me to visit friendly India once again.
We regularly hold summits at the highest level, in fact, they take place every year, with India and Russia taking turns in hosting them. Unfortunately, we had to skip last year due to the pandemic. Still, it is our turn to come to India, and I thank you for your invitation.
Russia views India as a major power, whose people have been very friendly to us. Our relations proceed from a very positive foundation. They are developing and forward-looking.
In 2020, trade between our countries decreased by more than 17 percent, but in the first nine months of 2021 it grew by over 38 percent. There is no doubt that we have every opportunity to reach the trade volumes you have mentioned.
This also applies to investment, which currently stands at US$38 billion and is more or less equally distributed between the two countries, with Russia having a slightly larger share. That said, we have been working together in very important and promising areas, including energy, high technology, and space. I am certain that the programmes you have mentioned will be carried out, including the one to train an Indian cosmonaut.
We have been promoting military-technical cooperation like with no other partner of ours. Together, we develop and manufacture high-technology military products, including in India.
There is another essential item on our agenda, which is of interest for both India and Russia. I am referring to taking care of the environment. Our minds are set on this topic, the green agenda, as well as on the economy and ways of developing it. Of course, we are realistic in our efforts, seeking to fulfil the needs of our economies and improve the standard of living for our citizens on an ongoing basis.
We remain proactively involved on the international stage. Just as you have said, our positions coincide on many issues. Of course, terrorism and efforts to fight it are a matter of grave concern, as are combatting drug trafficking and organised crime.
In this context, the developments in Afghanistan are of course a matter of serious concern for us. The foreign and defence ministers, who are present today, held their first meeting in such format, demonstrating our commitment to developing our relations in international and military affairs.
We hold joint exercises both in India and Russia. We are grateful for the attention you have given to this aspect of our cooperation and intend to keep moving in the same direction.
Once again, thank you very much for your invitation.
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Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity. India-Russia Joint Statement following the visit of the President of the Russian Federation
1. At the invitation of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin paid working visit to New Delhi on 6 December 2021 for the 21st India–Russia Annual Summit.
2. The completion of 5 decades of the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation and 2 decades of Declaration on Strategic Partnership is symbolic of the long standing and time-tested India-Russia relations characterized by mutual trust, respect for each other’s core national interests and similarity of positions on various international and regional issues.
3. The Sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. They underscored that as major powers with common responsibilities, this important relationship continues to be an anchor of global peace and stability.
4. The Sides positively assessed the multi-faceted India-Russia relations that span various areas of cooperation including political and strategic, economy, energy, military and security, science and technology, culture and humanitarian cooperation. They noted that while the traditional areas of cooperation are being further strengthened, new drivers of growth have led to diversification and expansion of bilateral cooperation.
5. The Leaders highly appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral ties despite the negative impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. They acknowledged that the Annual Summit could not be held in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. The Sides noted with satisfaction the continued intensification of contacts at all levels including 6 telephonic conversations between the two leaders since the last Summit; visits of Foreign Minister, Raksha Mantri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Steel from Indian side; visit of Russian Foreign Minister and Secretary of Security Council to India; holding of Foreign Office Consultations, India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue, consultations on UN issues, Arctic, policy planning etc.
6. The Leaders welcomed the holding of back-to-back meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation and the first 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers of India and Russia in New Delhi on 6 December 2021. They underscored the importance of regular annual 2+2 meetings for exchanging views on global and regional political-security developments.
7. The Leaders noted the ongoing interaction between the Parliaments of two countries and underlined the importance of regular meetings of Inter-Parliamentary Commission as a valuable component of India- Russia relations.
8. The Leaders reiterated the importance of the security dialogue at the level of NSA and NSCS on bilateral and regional issues and welcomed regular interactions between them. This has served to enhance strategic understanding and coordination between the two countries.
Cooperation in Covid pandemic
9. The Sides exchanged views on the Covid-19 pandemic situation and highly appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight against Covid-19, especially with respect to “Sputnik-V” vaccine.
10. The Leaders expressed gratitude to each other’s countries for timely assistance during the pandemic. India’s assistance in supplying critical medicines, including paracetamol, hydroxychloroquine, and certain antibiotics during the first phase in Russia and Russia’s assistance in providing ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other critical equipment during India’s second phase, was a humanitarian gesture well-received by both sides.
11. The Sides expressed confidence that early mutual recognition of COVID vaccination certificates will further facilitate movement of persons between the two countries and agreed to fast track the formalities in this regard.
12.The Sides expressed appreciation for the efforts of relevant agencies involved in evacuation efforts as well as transport of life saving equipment and medicines. They noted that the Air-bubble arrangement has served the interim travel needs of citizens of both countries.Both sides agreed to consider resumption of direct passenger and cargo flights to their pre-pandemic capacity.
Economy
13. The Sides appreciated the resumption of the positive trajectory of bilateral trade, with trade registering an increase of about 38% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 despite the pandemic-related restrictions. They positively assessed the overall increase of bilateral trade in 2019–20 compared to the previous year.
14. The Sides noted that the bilateral trade does not reflect the potential of strength and depth of India-Russia strategic partnership. The leaders stressed on the need for greater efforts to achieve the trade target of USD 30 billion by 2025. In this regard, they placed strong emphasis on new drivers of growth forlong-term cooperation.
15. The Sides underscored the need for commencement of negotiations on Trade Agreement between India and The Eurasian Economic Union.
16. The leaders noted the relevance of continued engagement under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) for bilateral economic cooperation in various priority areas. They acknowledged the holding of 12Working Group and Sub-group meetings under the IRIGC-TEC and instructed the concerned officials to expeditiously conclude meetings of pending Working Groups. The sides also welcomed the setting up of the new Working Groups and Sub Groups on Transport, Urban Development and Railways and looked forward to the early holding of their inaugural meetings.
17. The Sides welcomed the holding of the 3rd edition of the India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) on April 15, 2021 in virtual format. They noted the productive discussions under this format in the areas of transport, agriculture, digital transformation, tourism, industry and banking and small and medium enterprises. The Sides considered the need to look at the way forward for the collaboration under this mechanism.
18. The Sides appreciated the outcomes of the visit of Minister of Steel of India to Moscow to attend the Russian Energy Week in October, 2021 and welcomed the progress made in a short span in reviving collaboration in coking coal and steel sectors. A mutually beneficial MoU for reliable long-term supplies of coal to India for steel production was signed. Discussions were held on production of specialty steel under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in India, and utilization of technologies from Russian state steel institutes for steel production in India by private and public sector companies. The Indian side welcomed the interest of Russian side in learning from India’s experience of gainful utilization of coal residues. The Sides also welcomed the meeting of the 1st Working Group on Coking Coal in virtual format in October, 2020.
19. The Leaders welcomed the signing of Agreement of Intent between Indian PSUs and Russian company PhosAgro for supply of fertilizers in the period of 2021/2022 calendar years. They instructed their officials to continue discussions for agreement on long term supply and pricing arrangements.
20. Trade in pharmaceuticals continues to be one of the main items of India’s exports to Russia. Both sides noted with satisfaction the continued strength of this commodity as well as Indian companies’ participation in Russia’s localization programme under Pharma 2020 and Pharma 2030 schemes. They recognized the growing collaboration in medical devices as a new promising area of economic engagement in the context of the pandemic.
21. The Sides appreciated the rapid recovery of collaboration in diamond sector between the two countries, following the initial downturn witnessed during the pandemic.
22. The Sides welcomed the progress on discussions on elimination of trade barriers in respect of critical commodities under the aegis of the Sub-Group on Elimination of the Trade Barriers of IRIGC-TEC. Both sides agreed to consider fast-tracking elimination of barriers by way of closing critical gaps in phytosanitary and veterinary requirements of both countries in agricultural and agro-processed products.
23. The Sides recognised the need to further streamline and fast-track the process of Customs clearances of cargoes. In this regard, the Sides agreed to replace the discussions on the ‘Green Corridor Project’ with an Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and a MoU on Exchange of pre-arrival Customs data. The Sides, also, agreed to commence discussions on this Agreement and MoU at the earliest.
24. The Indian side encouraged participation of Russian companies in the 13 key sectors of Production Linked Incentive scheme of Government of India under the ‘Atmanirbhar’ and ‘Make in India’ programme. The Indian side also invited the Russian side to continue consideration of setting up manufacturing facilities in Greenfield industrial cities under Industrial Corridor Programme of Government of India.
25. The Sides recognized that the pandemic slowed down progress on certain investment decisions by companies on both sides. However, both sides noted with satisfaction that several investment ideas continue to progress, particularly those in inland waterways, railways, shipbuilding and repair, steel and coking coal, medical devices, petrochemicals, ports, banking and re-insurance services, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro processing, healthcare, IT and oil & gas.
26. The Sides urged the corresponding Ministries to finalize negotiations of the Bilateral Investment Treaty in a spirit of mutual understanding in order to protect mutual investments.They welcomed the signing of the MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property between Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, India and Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Russian Federation.
27. The Sides reiterated their commitment to strengthen inter-bank and insurance cooperation. Commercial Indo Bank, Moscow, the only Indian Bank operating in Russia, has upgraded its rating significantly over the last year. Indian side expressed hope that this will allow the Bank to enter into retail segment after obtaining necessary approvals. Similarly, GIC Perestrakhovanie LLC, a 100% subsidiary of General Insurance Corporation of India, commenced its operations in September 2020 and is now offering reinsurance support to all major general insurers in the Russian Federation.
28. The Sides agreed to continue joint work on promoting mutual settlement of payments in national currencies, which will help reduce cost and time as well as risks involved in payments.
29. The Sides also expressed interest in continuing dialogue on accepting RuPay and MIR Cards within national payment infrustructures, as well as on interaction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and The Faster Payments System of the Bank of Russia (FPS). The Russian side invited Indian credit institutions to connect to the Financial messaging system of the Bank of Russia to facilitate faultless interbank transactions.
30. The Indian side invited Russian side’s participation in civilian shipbuilding and inland waterways as promising new areas of collaboration. The two leaders welcomed the preparation of bilateral document in the area of civilian shipbuilding, which will facilitate enhancement of interaction and specialist training, investments in ship building and repair, scientific research, development of intelligent transport and navigation systems, international transport corridors.They welcomed the signing of the Agreement of Intent between Mazagaon Dock Ltd. and Zvezda Shipyard for commercial shipping signed in September this year.
Cooperation in the Russian Far-East
31. President Putin welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to an Act Far-East Policy under which India could be a reliable partner in the development of the Russian Far-East. He supported Prime Minister Modi’s concept of Sangam as a development tool for the region. The Russian side warmly welcomed the successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vladivostok to attend the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in 2019 and his virtual participation in the 6th EEF this year.
32. The Sides noted the greater intensity of Inter-regional dialogue on economic cooperation between the States of India and the regions of Russia including the virtual meeting between the Chief Minister of Gujarat and Governor of Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in September, 2021. They appreciated holding of several B2B, G2G and B2G meetings recently between Indian companies and Russian regions. They welcomed the signing of 9 twinning agreements between the cities/states of India and the regions of Russia so far for mutual cooperation in diverse areas.
33. The Sides welcomed interest of Indian companies in cooperating in the Russian Far East. Energy, transport and logistics, maritime connectivity, diamond processing, forestry, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, tourism and humanitarian fields have been identified as areas of further cooperation in the Russian Far-East.
34. The Indian side reiterated its commitment to enhanced trade and investment in the Russian Far-East. The Sides agreed to continue discussion on operationalization of the US$ 1 billion Line of Credit announced by Prime Minister Modi in 2019 for projects for development of the Russian Far East.
Energy
35. The Leaders reaffirmed that bilateral energy cooperation is a key pillar of the bilateral ties and an energy bridge between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their joint efforts under the Roadmap for Cooperation in Hydrocarbons for 2019–24 to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and welcomed the opening of Bharat Energy Center in Moscow, representing five Indian oil and gas public sector companies to enhance engagement with Russian stakeholders in energy sector.
36. The Sides noted with satisfaction, the fruitful, wide-ranging collaboration between the oil and gas companies of the two countries, including between JSC Rosneft Oil Company and Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings of India in implementing the Vankorneft, Sakhalin-1 and Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha projects in Russia, and Nayara Energy Limited’s oil refinery in India. They also welcomed prospective two way investment initiatives of both countries, which are currently under discussion.
37. The sides reaffirmed their commitment for increasing sourcing of Russian crude oil on long term contracts through preferential pricing, strengthening LNG imports to India, and the possible utilization of the Northern Sea Route for energy supplies. The two sides further agreed for the expansion of cooperation in gas sector and welcomed the creation of a Gas Task Force to identify mutually beneficial areas including the development of investment in gas infrastructure and distribution projects, use of natural gas in transport and emerging fuels including hydrogen.
38. Both sides, appreciating the strength of the Indian petrochemical market, agreed to expand collaboration through Russian participation by way of investment, technological and other ways of collaboration in Indian petrochemical sector. The sides welcomed the interest of Nayara Energy in production of products like polypropylene in India.
39. Both sides also agreed to consider prospects for expanding cooperation in hydro and thermal power, energy efficiency and the sector of renewable energy. They also noted the need for cooperation in hydrogen economy, low-emission development, including exchange of best practices. The Indian side emphasized the need for responsible and reasonable pricing of global energy supplies determined by market forces. Both sides noted the importantce of dialogue between consumers and producers for stabilizing energy prices.
Transport and Connectivity
40. The Indian side welcomes the growing participation of Russian companies in modernization of the railway sector in India. This includes Russian side’s interest in implementing projects using Russian technology, equipment and capital in India, particularly in signalling and telematic systems, high-speed rail projects, electrification of railways while abiding by India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes.
41. The Indian side appreciated Russia’s participation in electronic toll collection technology based on satellite navigation technologies on Indian highways, implemented by the joint Russian-Indian company Bharat Telematic Ssystems Pvt Ltd.
42. The Sides emphasized on greater and effective usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor for cargo transport at lesser cost and time to enhance connectivity in Eurasian Space. In this context, they welcomed the signing of agreement between Russian Railways (RZD) and Concor last year to jointly develop multi-modal logistics services along INSTC route. The Russian side expressed support for India’s proposal to include Chabahar port within the framework of INSTC. They stressed that connectivity initiatives should be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
43. The Indian side informed that the feasibility study of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is in advance stage, and the study so far done indicates an array of opportunities for increased traffic upon the successful implementation of its recommendations. The Sides expressed optimism that the implementation of the recommendations of the study will provide a fillip to the bilateral trade.
Civil Nuclear Energy and Space
44. The Sides noted the significant progress achieved in the construction of the remaining nuclear power plant units at Kudankulam. Both Sides noted the importance of continued further discussion on the second site in India; the Indian side will strive to finalize formal allotment of the second site in accordance with earlier signed agreements. They welcomed continuation of technical discussions on the VVER 1200 of the Russian design, joint manufacturing of equipment and localization of components.
45. Both Sides noted successful cooperation in the setting up of the Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh and expressed their readiness to explore similar cooperation in third countries as well.
46. The Sides welcomed the enhanced cooperation between the State Space Corporation ”Roscosmos” and the Indian Space Research Organization, including in the human spaceflight programs and satellite navigation and agreed to study the prospects of the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of launch vehiclesand use of outer space for peaceful purposes, including planetary exploration.
47. The Sides welcomed the active work carried out within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Space Corporation ”Roscosmos” and the Indian Space Research Organization on joint activities in human spaceflight program and noted with satisfaction the training of 4 Indian astronaut candidates from the ”Yu.A.Gagarin Research&Test Cosmonaut Training Center“ FSBO.
48. To facilitate further cooperation in Space, the Sides welcomed the signing of Agreement between the Government of The Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation on technology protection due to cooperation in field of research and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and building and operation of launch vehicles and ground-based space infrastructure.
49. Both Sides intend to strengthen cooperation within the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), including the issues of the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
Military and Military-Technical Cooperation
50. Russian side appreciated the participation of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with a Tri-Service contingent of the Indian armed forces in the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory of the Soviet People in the great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.
51. Military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the pillar of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. Responding to India’s quest for self-sufficiency, the partnership is reorienting presently to joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.
52. The Sides expressed satisfaction with regular military contacts and joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the two countries which reached unprecedented heights this year with three exercises being held within a span of 60 days besides simultaneous participation of large Indian contingents in the International Army Games. The Russian side deeply appreciated participation of INS Tabar in the 325th Russian Navy Day celebrations. The Sides agreed to continue and expand regular defence dialogue, mutual training and exercises, subject matter expert exchanges and other activities under the aegis of India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation.
53. Both sides noted with satisfaction the successful implementation of the 2011–2020 Long-Term Program for Military and Technical Cooperation and welcomed the signing of a new long-term plan for the period 2021–2031.
54. The Sides reiterated their commitment to upgrade the defence cooperation, including facilitating joint development and production of military equipment, components and spare parts, enhancing the after-sales service system, progress towards mutual recognition of quality control and regular joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the two countries. The two leaders agreed that for peace, stability and mutual economic development, there is a need for the two countries to work closely together in the advanced and emerging fields of defence technology and for the Armed Forces of the two countries to work together in niche domains of military capabilities.
55. Both Sides agreed to take forward ongoing engagements to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin Arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries.
56. The Sides recognized the requirement of an institutional arrangement for reciprocal provision of logistic support and services for the Armed Forces.
Science and Technology
57. Emphasizing the importance of joint research in science, technology and innovation, the two Sides welcome the signing of Roadmap for Science, Technology & Innovation Cooperation and , expressed satisfaction with respect to launching joint calls in priority areas as states in the Roadmap.
58. The Sides expressed satisfaction on launching of India-Russia Technology Assessment and Accelerated Commercialization Program by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Russian Foundation for Assistance to Small Industrial Enterprises (FASIE), which provides opportunities to Start-ups and SMES of the two countries to address societal challenges through innovative technologies.
59. The Sides also agreed to facilitate collaboration between government and private sector organizations to find ways of joint development of software products, platforms and services as well as in the area of electronics manufacturing. The Sides confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in the sphere of digital technologies, including those related to information protection, security of critical infrastructure and law enforcement.
60. Thesides noted the promotion of youth exchanges by bringing together co-innovation programs at School level with the Support of Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog and Talent & Success Fund (SIRIUS Centre, Sochi), Russia. These programs engaged students on both sides to generate hands-on technological solutions for societal problems such as Distance Literacy in remote areas; Rural Health & Well-being and Digital asset monitoring etc.
61. The Indian side congratulated the Russian side for its ongoing successful chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 2021–23 and expressed its readiness to play an active role as an Observer in the Arctic Council. Both sides recalled the bilateral consultations on the Arctic held last year. The Indian side also expressed its interest in collaborating with Russia on the Northern Sea Route.
Education, Culture and Tourism
62. Recognising the traditionally strong cooperation between India and Russia in the sphere of education, the Sides appreciated efforts taken by both countries to ensure well being of students during the Covid-19 pandemic.They agreed to continue their efforts in promoting educational linkages between universities and educational institutions. The Sides also agreed for organizing exchange programs for their diplomats at the respective training institutes under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
63. The Sides appreciated the successful implementation of bilateral Cultural Exchange Program, which plays a crucial role in enhancing people to people contact and noted the signing of the India Russia Cultural Exchange Programme during the summit for continuance of the bilateral cultural cooperation. It was agreed to continue the mutually beneficial practice of reciprocally holding cultural and film festivals. Need for geographical expansion of cultural exchanges and greater involvement of the youth and folk art groups was highlighted. Both Sides agreed to continue their joint efforts in promoting Russian language in India and Hindi in Russia comprehensively, including by developing contacts between relevant educational institutions. They welcomed the signing of MoU between National Sports University, Imphal, India and the Russian International Olympic University Sochi, Russia.
64. The two sides appreciated the dynamism in tourist exchanges between Russia and India.To further deepen the cooperation in tourism, the sides expressed intent to discuss ways of cooperation both at government and private sector level with the aim to enhance tourist exchanges between the two countries.
65. Both Sides welcomed progressive simplification of visa formalities, including introduction of eVisa by both countries.India has opened group tourist visa from October 15, 2021 and normal tourist visa from November 15, 2021, which would further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They agreed to continue the work on further simplification of the visa regime in future.
Cooperation in UN and Multilateral Fora
66. Both Sides noted the high level of political dialogue and cooperation on issues at the UN and agreed to deepen it further. Both Sides stressed the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism, with the central coordinating role played by the United Nations in world affairs. The Sides underlined the primacy of respect for international law and emphasized their commitment to the purposes and the principles stated in the UN Charter including the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States.
67. Russia welcomed India’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council with an overwhelming majority for a two-year term. Russian side appreciated India’s UNSC priorities which include commitment to strenghthen and reform the multilateral system, rule of law, fair and equitable international system and are anchored in the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, i.e. the world being one family. Both sides highlighted that India’s election to the UNSC has provided additional opportunities to coordinate efforts on most pressing issues at the UN based on mutual understanding and a shared view and approach to the global world order.
68. Both Sides called for comprehensivereform of the UNSC to reflect contemporary global realities and to make it more representative, effective and efficient in dealing with issues of international peace and security. President Putin congratulated India on its successful Presidency of the UN Security Council in the month of August and reiterated Russia’s support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked President Putin for his participation in the UNSC high-level debate on Maritime Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 9, 2021 as part of India’s Presidency of the UNSC.
69. Both Sides reiterated their commitment to enhanced cooperation and close coordination in BRICS. President Putin congratulated India on its successful BRICS Chairmanship in 2021, including hosting of the XIII BRICS Summit on 9 September 2021 and adopting the New Delhi Declaration. The Sides alsowelcomed deliverables of BRICS cooperation in 2021, in particular the signing of the Agreement on BRICS Cooperation on Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, finalization of the Agreement on BRICS Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, adoption of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, Action Plan 2021–2024 for Agricultural Cooperation, Innovation Cooperation Action Plan 2021–2024 and establishment of the BRICS Alliance for Green Tourism. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to implement the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025.
70. The Leaders recognised the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) as vital to addressing development challenges, including health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged the NDB to explore the possibility of financing more social infrastructure projects, including those that use digital technologies. They commended the NDB’s substantive progress in membership expansion despite challenges emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic. They reiterated that the process of expansion should be gradual and balanced in terms of geographic representation.
71. India and Russia stressed the achievements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the last two decades of its operation and noted the great potential for further interaction among the SCO Member States. Both Sides will continue to strengthen the SCO as one of the key pillars of the emerging, more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on international law, above all the UN Charter.
72. The Sides intend to focus particularly on increasing the effectiveness of countering terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, cross-border organized crime, and information security threats, in particular by improving the functionality of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
73. The Sides support increased role of SCO in international affairs, comprehensive development of the Organization’s contacts with the UN and its specialized agencies, and other multilateral organizations and associations. In this context, they support the establishment of official ties between the SCO and Eurasian Economic Union.
74. Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation within the RIC framework to promote common approaches to pressing issues on the global and regional agenda. The Russian side expressed appreciation for India’s chairmanship of RIC. Both Sides welcomed the results of the RIC Foreign Ministers meeting on 26 November 2021.
75. The sides highlighted their cooperation within the G20 format and agreed to intensify the same on issues of global and mutual interest, keeping in view India’s Presidency of the G20 in 2023.
76. The Both Sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and urged the international community to intensify cooperation against terrorism including safe havens, terror financing, arms and drugs trafficking, radicalization and malicious use of ICTs to spread extremist, terrorist and other illegal content.
77. Both Sides underscored the importance of implementing the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council resolutions on countering terrorism and extremism as well as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, while taking into account national experiences and state specificities. Both sides reaffirmed their shared fight against international terrorism, concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those proscribed by the UN, condemned cross-border movement of terrorists and called for the perpetrators of terror attacks to be brought to justice, without any political or religious considerations. They denounced any use of terrorist proxies and emphasized the importance of denying any logistical, financial, or military support to terrorist groups to launch or plan terror attacks. Both sides reaffirmed the need to support and strengthen the FATF and the UN Office of Counter Terrorism in their shared fight against terrorism. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the current international drug control regime based on the three relevant United Nations conventions.
78. The Sides agreed that safeguarding of global commons including our oceans, outer space and information space should be based on the principles of transparency, accessibility and upholding international law.
79. The Sides appreciated close cooperation in the field of security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) through inter-agency cooperation under bilateral mechanisms and at multilateral platforms. They highlighted the leading role of the United Nations in the decision-making process on security in the use of ICTs. The Sides also recognized the need for further work on rules, norms and principles of responsible behavior of State aimed at preventing conflicts and promoting peaceful use of ICTs. The Sides reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation against criminal use of ICTs and in this regard they welcome the establishment of an open- ended Ad hoc intergovernmental committee of experts to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes as stipulated in the UN GA resolutions 74/247 and 75/282.
80. Both sides expressed concern over the possibility of an arms race in outer space and outer space turning into an arena for military confrontation. They reaffirmed commitment to takeefforts for the prevention of an arms race in outer space and its weaponization. They stressed the paramount importance of strict compliance with existing international legal agreements providing for the peaceful uses of outer space and promoting international peace and stability, promotion of international cooperation and mutual understanding. The Sides supported negotiation of a multilateral legally binding instrument for prevention of an arms race in outer space. In this regard they noted the relevance of draft treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, the threat or use of force against space objects, submitted to the Conference of Disarmament for future negotiations. The sides reaffirmed that the Conference on Disarmament, is the only forum for holding multilateral negotiations on an international agreement (or agreements) on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects.
81. The sides reaffirmed support to full and effective adherence to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) by all States Parties. The Sides noted that the BTWC functions including in what concerns the UNSC should not be duplicated by other mechanisms. The Sides expressed the support tostrengthening of BTWC including by adopting a protocol to the Convention providing for, inter alia, an effective compliance verification mechanism.
82. Both sides reaffirmed support to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), andtheir determination to upholdefforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the integrity of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). They called upon the States Parties to the CWC to engage in a constructive dialogue with a view to restoring the spirit of consensus in the OPWC.
83. To address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, both sides emphasized the need to launch multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism at the Conference on Disarmament.
84. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening global efforts for non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Russia expressed its strong support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The sides urged all members of the international community to increase the level of mutual trust in order to promote global peace and security.
85. The sides discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, especially the security situation and its implications in the region, the current political situation, issues related to terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking etc. They outlined the priorities which include ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, providing immediate humanitarian assistance and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities.
86. The leaders reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan while emphasizing the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. They also discussed the current humanitarian situation and decided to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
87. The leaders emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist groups including ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT, etc. They reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalization, to ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism. Both sides recalled the importance of the relevant UN Resolutions on Afghanistan, as well as the recent outcome documents of Moscow format consultations and other international and regional mechanisms. The leaders emphasized the central role of the United Nations in Afghanistan.
88. The leaders welcomed close coordination between India and Russia on Afghanistan including through the creation of a permanent consultative mechanism on the issue between the Security Councils of both countries. They highly appreciated the finalisation of the Roadmap of interaction between India and Russia on Afghanistan, which symbolized convergence of views and interests of the two sides.
89. The Russian side welcomed Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan of National Security Advisors/Secretaries of Security Council on 10 November 2021 in New Delhi and welcomed the Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan that emerged from that meeting.
90. The sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. The sides also reaffirmed their commitment that there is no alternative to advancing a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN- facilitated political process in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) and the necessity to mobilize comprehensive humanitarian assistance to all the Syrians in need without politization and preconditions as required by UNSCR 2585(2021).
91.The sides reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UNSC Resolution 2231 and expressed their support to the relevant efforts to ensure the earliest reinvigoration of the JCPOA.
92. Both sides urged all the concerned parties to work towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to promote establishment of lasting peace and stability and stressed on the need to continue dialogue to achieve this goal.
93. The sides agreed to explore mutually acceptable and beneficial areas of cooperation in third countries especially in the Central Asia, South East Asia and Africa.
94. The Sides reiterated the need to preserve and strengthen the role of the World Trade Organization for upholding a transparent, non-discriminatory, and inclusive multilateral trading system with the fundamental principles at its core. They agreed that the post-pandemic world requires diversified global value chains that are based on trust, resilience and reliability.
95. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening regional economic cooperation to ensure sustainable socio-economic development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including the expansion of cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in such key areas as transport, energy and trade.
96. The Sides reaffirmed that the emerging regional security architecture should be free, open, transparent and inclusive, based on universally recognized principles of international law and aimed at maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in the region. They agreed to strengthen joint efforts to build an architecture of equal and indivisible regional security. The Sides agreed to intensify consultations on complementarities between integration and development initiatives in greater Eurasian space and in the regions of Indian and Pacific oceans. They underscored their recognition of the ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture of security and cooperation and reiterated the importance of closer cooperation and consultations in various regional fora and initiatives such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to jointly contribute to regional peace, security and stability.
97. The Indian side looked forward to Russia’s joining of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
98. The Sides noted with satisfaction the coinciding and similar approaches to their foreign policy priorities and reaffirmed their commitment for further strengthening of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, both in the context of the current bilateral relations and in addressing regional and international issues. They expressed their mutual intention to strengthen and expand their bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of India and Russia.
99. President Vladimir Putin thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation in New Delhi and invited him to visit Russia next year for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.
New Delhi
December 6, 2021
OK, this makes a major change.
I’ve not been through this material in detail but RT reports a military partnership between Russia and India.
Things started showing glimpses of change at the last RIC (Russia, India, China) meeting. Putin went to India at a very short notice and for this material to be out literally the same day, makes a whole difference to the speed of releases that we’ve become used to from the Russian channels.
Kindly read and understand before you comment. Comment on the material please.
This in-person meeting is one of an annual series between Russia and India (interrupted last year by the pandemic) for the last few years with locations alternating, and was always on the annual schedule.
This expression of a deep Russian-Indian cooperation should not be a surprise to anyone who understands the history of Soviet/Russian-Indian relationships or their ongoing strategic cooperation – one that both repeatedly call “deep” and “privileged” – till date
It seems to be that many Saker readers feel that because
1. the Empire targets Russia and now China;
2. Russia and China have formed a close alliance to defend their interests against an aggressive Empire;
3. India is at loggerheads with China and uses the Empire as counterbalance
thus
India is therefore an “enemy” of not only China but Russia as well. Or at the least India is a spoiler or Trojan Horse on behalf of the Empire in BRICS/RIC/SCO.
A lot of geopolitical nuance has been lost in this sort of simplistic analysis.
What India wants is exactly what Russia wants: geopolitical independence to pursue its own interests, its own relationships with other countries without external interference, as part of its own view as a unique and great civilization.
For Russia, the West is the one that seeks to contain it. It is not Russia that made an enemy of the West; it is the other way around. Meanwhile China, a rising hegemon – and neighbor/market for Russian raw material – is also being squeezed by the West thus forcing an alliance of convenience between Russia and China.
For India, the power that seeks to contain its rise is not the Empire (since not only is India much too weak to challenge it at the moment, but because it needs India to challenge China), but China.
Firstly, China has a deep alliance with Pakistan, supporting it economically/militarily/diplomatically against Pakistan’s covert and overt conflict with India. (Recall Pakistan:India::Ukraine:Russia).
Secondly, China has tried to prevent India from fuller nuclear power recognition (that Russia and more reluctantly, the US, support), as well as in discussions for India to play a more permanent role in the UNSC.
Third and most directly, China has become belligerent across many parts of the Indo-China disputed border, seeking to ensure its already large military advantage over India to ensure that India can never achieve parity.
In other words China acts towards India exactly as the Empire acts towards Russia (and increasingly China). To ensure strategic dominance in perpetuity.
India meanwhile has no issues with Russia (or other targets of the Empire like Iran, or Venezuela or Cuba). The Indo-Russian/Soviet friendship goes back further than either the Indo-US or the Sino-Russian one. It has endured various geopolitical upheavals and realignments. (During the Cold War, the US supported Pakistan vs India while the Soviets supported India).
All this is reflected in the warm sentiments and agreements exchanged between Putin and Modi (following equally warm words between Lavrov and Jaishankar). This is nothing new but has been consistent over the decades.
This does not mean that Russia expects India to be anti-West anymore than India expects Russia to be to anti-China. India needs the Empire for its technology, finances, ability to act as counterweight to China, much as Russia needs China for its markets and counter to the West. There is also a large Indian diaspora in the West.
In a few days, India will join the Empire’s so-called “Democracy Summit” and no doubt sign some lofty document to combat Authoritarianism, Corruption and Human Rights and Information Security to Protect Democracy. For India the target is China, not Russia (for the West it is both), and Putin understands that.
Incidentally the US also understands India’s stance vis-a-vis Russia which is why the US – at the moment with bigger fish to fry – is waiving sanctions against India for its S-400 acquisition. India has made it clear that while it will play the game with the Empire against China since their interests align, it will not do so against Russia, and – for the moment – this uneasy arrangement holds since it works for all parties.
Thank you for this comment. Sober and to the point.
If China has its world, Russia has its, does India have it? Where is the proactive realization of Indian influence in Myanmar e.g., or in Nepal, Sri Lanka? The Chinese know what they want, does India know what it wants? Or is her upper caste completely detached from the interests of the nation? Thanks
Djole you talk about upper caste, do you know that Prime Minister comes from a family that was poor and his father was a Chaiwala (Selling tea at the railway station). That doesn’t tell me he comes from a high caste. Please don’t think India as a backward country, there are lots and lots of lower caste and poor family Indians of all types that prospered in India. Thanks
I’m not talking about Modi, I’m talking about the oligarchy. I think it is good that Modi is in power, nationalism is a good thing if it is balanced and does not serve the Anglo-Zionists. As the German served. Both nationalism and internationalism, if they are in the function of colonial powers, then they make no sense. That is why I write that the Indian world is important. The Indian world of interest must be Indian red line and this should be defended at all costs. And only in this way will you be respected by your people and your neighbors. The political wilderness in which the right of the stronger rules has no right to demand new Mahatmas Gandhi from the Indians, but strong personalities and strong national institutions. The question however, is how you will work with the Pakistanis on long track, is there a will to resolve the Kashmir Baltistan. Is there a will between 4 nuclear powers to become all part of the Korakorum highway solution. Somehow, it seems that the weakness of the Asian giants to agree and trust themselves again allows the Anglo-Americans and the EU colonialists to sow discord and conflicts on the borders. As if your “national” leadership is with indecision involved.
Very right. As an Indian, I do believe that our future lies in better relations with immediate neighbours, like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan and Afghanistan and Nepal. And China. Even the border issue is solvable. But the elephant in the room there is Dalai Lama in India as an exile. India needs to create trust with China and take China into confidence on the status of Dalai Lama in India. The way Willy Brandt as Mayor of West Berlin worked to gain the trust of the Soviets and East Germany. Brandt brushed aside US pressure to maintain hostility to Soviets. And that helped people.
Modi indulges perpetually in lies and fakery, , out-Goebellsing Goebels , and it is hard to say whether he really ever sold tea anywhere. More likely, he has not earned an honest penny in his life and has squeaked thhrough life as a Pracharak (“Preacher” or propagandist) of the RSS , the fascist para-military of Hindu chauvinists and colonial British bootlickers , which modeled itself on Mussolini’s Black Shirts as avowed by them in the 30s. Modi’s sole calling has been as a merchant of hate and islamophobia, which unfortunately has struck oil in the North Indian electoral political field. That said, even Modi, despite his worship of power which leads him to burn incense at the US unipolar doorstep, still senses that he has to play other cards as well. And, given the strong tradition of Indo-Soviet and Indo-Russian alliance , of over 6 decades, there is an ingrained pressure in India;’s diplomatic and buraeucrativc framework to sustain that.
Hi Chanakya, good points and thanks for explaining India’s global gameplay. However, you seem to be missing the Financial Empire’s global strategic construct.
The Financial Empire’s dream is to capture and control all nations. It has played one nation against other through various angles, capitalism vs communism, religion,… In 1945, it structured the world so it has a region to attack the rising nation and capture it. For India, it created Pakistan, Taiwan for China, East Germany & West Germany, North Korea vs South Korea,… It brilliantly structured the world so a nation will pay a heavy price to resolve its challenges and thereby get captured. Germany signed up for the Plaza Accord to unite the East and West. Japan has been financially captured & occupied. When it comes to the Soviet Union, the Empire has worked diligently since 1980s to bring its various regions under its umbrella of the EU and NATO. Henry Kissinger talked about this Soviet Union dismemberment during his talk about the Cold War. Ukraine plays an important role in dividing Germany and Russia.
Has India really achieved sovereignty? You state, “India needs the Empire for its technology, finances…” Agree on the former, but on the latter, India can create its own money and invest it in the best interest of the nation. Why is India not doing this? Why the dependence on the FDI? India’s RBI was founded in 1935 and was private then. Who were its private owners in 1935? Do they still control India? Yes, RBI was nationalized in 1949 but India’s financial system is the creation of the Empire and dependent on it. Is this what worries China? In WWI & WWII, Germany was attacked on both sides. Similarly, may be China is being cautious about India and not taking any chances?
Russia, India, China, France, … and other nations are finally seeing the Empire’s plan. Each of them is developing their strategic networks to play an important role in the coming multipolar order. Russia/Vladimir Putin are building their Eastern network to balance against the threat of the Western Powers. It is great that India and Russia are cooperating in multiple sectors. Russia is in a unique place with its resource advantage and good relationships with China, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, …
“Russia is the only great power that talks to the Shiite states, the Sunni states — and the Israelis,…
Russia against the West and with the Rest”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/how-putin-outmaneuvers-a-blundering-united-states-on-the-world-stage/2019/03/29/5aad5bac-4597-11e9-8aab-95b8d80a1e4f_story.html
Even France is now forming its own alliances
https://www.indianpunchline.com/macrons-revenge-for-aukus-betrayal/
Interesting times… What will happen to the Empire?
Hi:
Your write
Till 1991, India was a mostly closed economy. Due to various internal and external events, India came close to defaulting and was forced to open up. China, under Deng, had done so a decade earlier. There is no doubt that China – and later India – benefitted from foreign investment: the Chinese miracle would not have been possible without it (but not exclusively because of it). Russia too had benefitted from it.
This does not mean that Indian Govts are naive as to the dangers of unfettered FDI – or the overall goals and machinations of the Empire – which is why even now, there are various barriers in key areas to foreign ownership. Under Modi, a nationalist in the mold of Putin/Xi/Trump, preference was given to Indian investors though this invariably led to crony capitalism and creation of an oligarchy (since the only ones with the money to fund large projects are already rich families).
Long story short, the creation of a self-sustaining high tech economy in an existing landscape where the Empire has the first movers advantage is complicated journey, one that China has more or less pulled off (mastery in semi-conductors is one lagging area) but which Russia (which started at a higher level than China or India) and India are struggling to get to without (fully for now) surrendering their sovereignty to the Empire. And hence the various sections about cooperating on science and technology among other areas (including settlements in national currencies to try and get around restrictions in dollar trade from US sanctions) in the above.
Re China being wary of India because of a fear of being attacked: unlike Germany which exists on fairly traversable land in the middle of Europe, or Russia whose Western front is wide open and has been exploited in the past, China has the high ground in the vast Tibetan plateau with its core population well away from its south western border. China controls many key rivers downstream into India and can turn the fertile Gangetic plain – the breadbasket of northern India – into a desert with some well placed dams.
To attack China, the best way is either via the steppes to the north (as the Mongols did), or from the East (as the Japanese did).
Chanakya, thanks for your response and clarifications. It will be a better world if neighbors & the world cooperate and focus on serving their people.
The reason China has been able to pull off its economic development and enhance its gdp per capita is because its financial system wasn’t defined by the Empire. In China the central bank chairperson reports to the president. In India, it is yet the old British way and same in Russia. Usury exists in India and like the British Raj benefits its Oligarchy. India’s financial system and corruption are its biggest weaknesses and threats, not China.
Just list the international bankers that the Indian Oligarchy (top ten families) works with and one sees who controls India. Reliance’s $20 billion investment came from various entities of the Bilderberg group (Google, FB,…). Indian companies earlier raised significant money from China.
Russia, India, China and others will gain significantly from cooperation and trading in their national currencies (sovereign money). In which currency are India and Russia trading? Their real challenger is the Empire that wants to capture them and trade in its private money (global reserve currency – $, €, £). The global conflict is between suzerainties vs sovereignties.
Like China, India, Russia and other nations can drive real economic growth and create their money. The only challenge is to allocate their money towards productivity and not speculation & consumption.
“If you set up new R&D facilities in Nanjing, we will award you up to 5 million yuan each year. We will give up to 15 million yuan for those who set up angel capital or VC firms. If you invest in Nanjing-based startups, we will reward up to 5 million yuan. If the investment fails, you can get up to 6 million in compensation.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-10/china-s-technology-sector-takes-on-silicon-valley
To Max
I cannot agree more with everything you have stated. Brilliant! I could leave it at that. Although, one needs to understand that despite India being very close to Russia for many generation, unfortunately what we are seeing there now is very much what we are seeing in the Eastern Europe. The younger generations are too much mindfuck*d by the pervasive western garbage. And political class is playing up to that. What gives?
I forgot the link but this one doesnt look to promising.
https://www.google.com/search?q=slums+in+the+world+map&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS862US867&sxsrf=AOaemvL2m4DKuW7IQ8dJyfMahwMuXKeOjg:1638912534959&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=qmwXuVF2-a0UDM%252C-JsVcI40I5hBRM%252C_%253BU4cQKfD-7_ldqM%252CFDQMJIhgwXRQBM%252C_%253BEjD8DXlhj1MZDM%252CzC3Qj6JgSin16M%252C_%253BQhk6XVKPZ-VMLM%252CRe-vF6oKkhHT4M%252C_%253BV2gMGIS01-AJJM%252CVOdpeHhRzPqINM%252C_%253BxoFypDZaEVuSJM%252CAlHx2gkSOWbC_M%252C_%253B0zcDVbWRpWvBmM%252Cqc4gdJKUOAsiJM%252C_%253BDX3t3Dz0bl2zCM%252Cz7_QOwIqAWUdyM%252C_%253BbnKg64gEWLMfLM%252CpfL7mXw1gymgdM%252C_%253B29xXsCSPtjwf3M%252C1QZoAhPhZp3JeM%252C_%253B_wSvG5XiJHLgjM%252CLDPzkRjtxKQC6M%252C_%253BRX9wF9iYa32HjM%252CN0T7bvGYw2j_2M%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSErUM0Ji3pOGB9zjIrslVnON6jRQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwid_9r70NL0AhUcRjABHYFhDZAQ9QF6BAgCEAE#imgrc=qmwXuVF2-a0UDM
Good points but I disagree on a few areas.
Indian isn’t exactly completely innocent. There is the continued support for Tibetan separatists. Then you have HM Amit Shah and General Rawat both saying that they will eventually reconquer Chinese controlled areas and even General VK Singh (former Army Chief) boasting about border transgressions. Indians may feel that is all just rhetoric for feeding a domestic audience but that isn’t how it’s seen by the Chinese or the PLA.
Indian opposition to the BRI hasn’t helped relations either.
My advice would be that India should at least settle one of the border disputes (Pakistan or China) so they can focus more on internal development like China. At this point it’s a stalemate among 3 nuclear powers.
Leaving aside the fact that no country is ever really “innocent”, India has – prior to the critical border clash last year – not really supported Tibetan separatism. What it has done is provide refuge for the Dalai Llama and many Tibetans from both a humanitarian and cultural (the original form of Buddhism after all evolved in India and is still one of the 4 Hinduism—adjacent religions along w Hinduism itself, Jainism and Sikhism). The conditions for the Dalai Llama’s presence in India include him or Tibetans not campaigning for separatism from Indian soil though they do so from the West and have received CIA funding. India has accepted Tibet as part of China (though there is an ongoing dispute w China on where the border of South Tibet is), the one-China policy.
It is only recently in response to the deadly border clash last year (the reasons for which will require a whole separate thread) and aggressive rhetoric from Xi personally that preceded it by some months (about protecting every inch of its national borders including the south west ones with force if necessary), the Indian side has also beat its breast. Note however if anything it has understated the Chinese advance into disputed territories: publicly available satellite photos and analysts regularly point out China building out military and even civilian infrastructure and villages in once barren spaces along and in some cases inside the disputed border.
India is opposed to BRI because it feels it would be disadvantaged and become financially dependent on China. Like Pakistan has (eg https://asiatimes.com/2021/12/pakistan-struggling-to-pay-its-debts-to-china/ ). Note that unlike the US, India is not preventing people from joining the BRI – only that it chooses for its own interests not to join.
India did want to settle/freeze the border dispute with China. The best case scenario in such a complicated matter is a freeze – which is what was the case till recently years. China, for reasons which are unclear chose to become more aggressive in their border patrols and stake out permanent claims in areas which were disputed (versus the normal game of staking a claim by unfurling a flag, and then retreating that both sides used to do in a kind of ritualistic way).
Any any rate, a standoff with China or Pakistan does not preclude development within India as well. Wasteful spending on the military is not the principal bottleneck for India’s development. In fact there could be potential positive externalities (not that that should be a reason for hostilities).
Coming full circle, this is also why India places such importance in its ties with Russia as well as the West, the Arabs, Iran, Israel, South Asia, Africa, Latin America…indeed India has friendly, relations with more countries than either China or Russia. It is strictly realpolitik vs ideological.
Chanakya, India’s external affairs minister, Jaishanker, is on the record stating that India didn’t have a strategy to address its border issues with China and various administrations would just prefer to continue with the status quo. Why? India hasn’t resolved its border issues with most of its neighbors and continues with the British defined borders.
The Empire has controlled India’s Rupee valuation and it has followed a downhill trajectory since 1947. If India goes against Empire’s wishes then Rupee will devalue like Turkey’s Lira. The Empire dominates India. If China really wants to harm India then it will demand that India pays for Chinese products in Renminbis like India pays for Empire’s goods in the US$. In which currency India pays for Chinese goods?
It is a ruse on part of India to use the excuse of “deadly border clash” to blame its separation from China. In February, when Trump visited India, Mukesh Ambani openly stated that Jio has built its telecom infrastructure without China’s equipment. The border clash happened in June after the Trump visit. So India and its Oligarchy had made a decision to not depend on China long before the clash.
One can’t change their neighbors when it comes to geography and they’re part of your regional community. Neighboring countries need to live peacefully and work towards prosperity.
“No enemy is worse than bad advice.”
– Sophocles
Hi
There are two separate issues: India’s wariness of China and the events just prior to following the border clash.
Yes, India is wary of China as all of China’s neighbors are wary of China (and India’s smaller neighbors are wary of India). It is unfortunately the rule of geopolitics that stronger powers always seek to impose their will on lesser powers.
India’s wariness of China stems from:
1. China’s close backing of Pakistan including turning a blind eye to its militant activities. China and Pakistan have no natural cultural or historical ties – anymore than the US and Ukraine do. In fact there are more cultural/ethnic connections between China and North/North Eastern India. Yet why does China back Pakistan? The same as why US backs Ukraine. As a containment strategy against their stronger neighbour (as well as access to the nearby seas).
2. China has demurred against backing India’s accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group or the UNSC. Note that the Putin-Modi agreement above enthusiastically gives Russian backing for both. (Points 68 and 84). China does not want India as a peer in these areas.
3. China has expanded its already formidable lead in the border infrastructure and has quite visibly become bolder in building permanent infrastructure around or even inside disputed territory challenging the status quo.
Just as India is wary of becoming too dependent on the US, it is doubly wary of China. Bluntly, give a choice, India’s preference order would be:
Multi-polar world > US hegemony > Chinese hegemony
India, under Modi, also has placed a premium on self-reliance. Just as Xi pushed “Made in China”, India is pushing “Make in India” with preference for Indian firms to build out India’s lagging infrastructure.
Modi (as leader of the weaker country) met with Xi (the leader of the stronger country) twice in well publicized “informal summits” to at least come to an understanding with lots of warm sentiments expressed. But China at the moment is on what it sees as its own historical mission to once again be the most pre-eminent global power in a culture that brooks no public dissent or alternate views (in Indian media, there are plenty of commentators who debate exactly what you are suggesting. I have seen no such nuance or hints of one in any Chinese commentary whatever the debates being made in closed CCP meetings). It is not just India that Xi is flexing against. He has made enemies of even people like Durterte who had strong reservations against the US, by thumbing its nose at Filipino concerns.
Unlike what most of the readers on this website would prefer, which seems to be grand alliance against the Empire, India is staking a middle ground. India is the only major country (apart from Turkey which has pretentions to recreating the Ottoman Empire) that is simultaneously a member of what are seen as both pro and anti-Empire blocs (the Quad/SCO/RIC). Modi has had warm meetings with both Russian and US leaders and seeks deep investments and cooperation with both while holding China at bay.
On this we agree. But it takes two to tango. While India is not blameless, it is normally upto the stronger powers to make concessions to the lesser ones. China has instead doubled down on its border infrastructure that threatens India (while the latter both militarily and geographically presents a much lesser threat)
Chanakya, appreciate your perspectives and positive engagement. However, you’re still thinking as if you’re in the BC era (Chanakya was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor) and it comes across as if India is missing the forest for the trees. To practice realpolitik one need to define the reality clearly, completely and correctly. Based on your perspectives about India, it comes across as if it is mistaken (China’s game) and missing (financial arena) key strategic elements. It isn’t neutralizing hegemonic power pillars but enabling them.
“Only the paranoid survives,” so empathetic towards India’s wariness towards China. In the 21st century we don’t have colonialism but Monetary Imperialism. Andrei (“The Saker”) has shared many articles on the Monetary Imperialism on this blog. (Aragorn and Arjuna are together and working under Gandalf/Krishna to end humanity’s enslavement and imperialism.) Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia does want to see a hegemon or monopoly power in the world. What key elements will prevent a hegemon or monopoly power from rising again? No more global reserve currency, rule of international law,… India would do better by working with Russia and other nations to define the international laws and pillars for a multipolar order and multilateralism. One isn’t seeing leadership from India in this sphere, while India is enabling hegemonic elements. You’re welcome to share Modi’s or Jaishankar’s speech where they talk about key international elements, particularly related to economic & financial security. India is completely missing in the financial arena and seems to talk as if it is living in the colonial era. The real power comes from nation’s economy. Repeat, economic power drives real power. This is the reason we Americans are worried and would rather invest in the economy and our people. Please focus on the gdp per capita, which is very low for India ($2,270) compared to its potential, Russia ($12,310) and China ($12,460).
India’s international trade is conducted mostly in the US$, so it is a suzerainty of the Dollar Empire. The day more than half of India’s international trade is conducted in the Rupee it becomes sovereign. Under whose orders did India stop buying oil from Iran & Venezuela? So India is still a vassal, taking orders from the Empire. Pakistan was created to cutoff India’s access to the Middle East resources like Ukraine was created to split Germany and Russia. Please analysis the formation of Pakistan and see the Empire’s hand everywhere. State Bank of Pakistan was private when established in 1948 and nationalized in 1974. Why isn’t India holding the Empire accountable for this mischief to control India? This Control by the Empire has denied easy access to natural resources for India, forced it to buy oil in the Empire’s currency and harmed its growth. Yet you don’t talk about this Strategic Control, neither does India address it. Why?
China and India both lack natural resources. China had approached India so together with other nations they can create a buyer club for oil to neutralize the supplier club, OPEC. An Indian was appointed as the CEO to the infrastructure bank created by Russia, India and China. What initiatives have India taken to work with China and challenge the Empire, other than joining SCO/BRICS? Joining organization without much contribution isn’t an accomplishment. India would better by working with Russia, the sovereign USA and others to promote the theme of Sovereignty. This is the best way to challenge the Financial Empire and its monetary imperialism.
China has been pragmatic and played realpolitik well in establishing relationship with Pakistan so it will have access to the Middle East & African resources. Just look at the map shared below and what does one see. A good move by China leading it to ignore some of Pakistan’s mischiefs. It is pure business and focused on economic security. How should China access the ME resources? Pakistan can twist this into propaganda to challenge India but reality is different. India should have built a pipeline to access Iranian and ME resources through Pakistan. However, India’s realpolitik failed. Most China’s relationships need to be viewed as developing access to natural resources as it is strong on capabilities and capacities. China’s focus is on growing its gdp per capita and achieving parity with the U$A ($70,000+). When it achieves that by 2050, its gdp will be close to 25+% of the global economy. What are India’s goal for growing its gdp per capita? ($10,000 by 2050)? China’s economic growth and size gives it a natural advantage compared to India. It would rather focus on accomplishing that economic growth rather than be distracted through hegemonic ambition. Based on your perspectives, India is completely wrong about China and come across lost in the global economic arena. Does India know how to create value oriented economic growth? India would benefit a lot if it really negotiates and establish good relationships with China and other neighbors. Achieve stability in the neighborhood to play in the global arena, or the neighborhood will hold you back.
It is great that India has “placed a premium on self-reliance.” However, the results are disappointing. Until India acts as a sovereign by trading in the national currencies and ending chains of Empire’s control, it is at a huge disadvantage. What are India’s core values and key development themes? Please don’t refer me to the Indian constitution for values. India hasn’t lived by those values. One would score India weak on values (X), low on value -economics (Y) and is at the bottom of the global vassal order (Z). India never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Let’s see if it will do different this time. Best wishes.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanakya
China’s pragmatism in accessing natural resources!
https://trainconsultant.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/projet-chine-pakistan-par-le-pamir-prc3a8s-du-wakhan.2016.doc.anonyme.modific3a9-par-lamming.jpg?w=768
India getting its order…
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13192711.revealed-30-years-on-secret-role-of-henry-kissinger-in-bhopal-tragedy/
@Chanakya
You’re talking like a victim but it’s India’s neighbors that have become victims of Indian imperialism. Nepal and Bhutan are effectively controlled by India and they can’t follow their independent foreign policies. Modi govt. is barring them from having closer ties with China.
On the other hand, Indians are forcibly holding onto Sri Lanka’s oil storage facilities in Trinco. They threatened the SL government to give up energy projects with China in northern Sri Lanka, and got a port terminal development deal by threatening the SL govt.
Don’t speak as if you’re some benevolent country. Yours is a modern neo-colonialist country with a shit load of issues of your own. Yet you meddle in other regional countries and doesn’t want them to progress.
That is an interesting observation.
However, that is mostly because India’s foreign policy is still largely carried out by a Foreign Ministry which is still dominated by British era culture and training. No government since 1947 has been able to change this culture and outlook.
India’s share of the global economy has been constant at around 4% since 1947. That, by itself, says a lot.
@Chanakya
A few notes on your post.
1. The description of China as a rising hegemon is a bit far fetched. So far, I am not aware of any actions of China that could be described as that of a rising hegemon.
2. Your thesis that China seeks to actively contain India and the evidence you have provided to support it is very thin. Let’s examine each one in turn.
– Support for Pakistan- Support to Pakistan comes from many quarters- Russia, China, US, Europe, Arab countries and so on. China is not even its largest supporter. It would be quite a stretch to suggest that all these countries supported Pakistan just to contain India. The whole India-Pakistan issue is largely the result of the ineptness of Indian political leaders going back at least 100 years if not more. Your assertion that the Russia/Ukraine issue is equivalent to the India/Pakistan issue is too far fetched.
-Nuclear Power recognition- This should be no more than a minor inconvenience. Hardly the stuff of containing countries. Nuclear power is old technology. Given sufficient political will and resources India should be easily able to develop its nuclear technology comparable to Russia, China or US.
-how is Chinese actions in the Indo China a factor in containing India?
To suggest that the Empire’s behaviour towards Russia is similar to the behaviour of China towards India is again very imaginative but the facts do not support it. If anything,it is the other way around. Remember India’s support to Tibetan armed insurgents in collaboration with the CIA? In what way has China tried to dominate India?
Indians have a huge problem in discussing relations with China in any logical or consistent manner. This is largely because all the information that Indians have about China come via the Western media, Western governments and Western thinktanks. There are at most a handful of people in India that could be called China experts who can provide an independent or Indian perspective of China. This is a huge handicap for Indians in understanding China.
Another key factor is history. The Indian elite class considers itself to be the inheritors and beneficiaries of the East India Company… China considers itself to be its victim. Remember, many Indians made their fortune selling opium to China and the Opium Wars that followed.
China is India’s “enemy” only because it suits the Empire that it is so. If Indians cannot see that and continue to see China through the Empire’s eyes, there is little hope for India taking its rightful place in world affairs.
One fun fact- India’s share of global GDP has remained at around 3-4% since 1947 i.e. India’s economy has not kept up with the global economy.
Given that India is 20% of the world population this is abysmal but consistent with the Empire’s objective.
What will India do? Which path will it take?
A few notes on your post where you take an issue I raised and dismiss it as “far fetched” because that’s how you feel about it.
What actions would a rising hegemon do in your view? China under Xi is rapidly expanding its military, seeking to impose its own debt backed economic engagements (like the US did with the World Bank/IMF post WW2) and being fairly aggressive (vs the softer touch espoused by prior regimes).
China’s support for Pakistan is much deeper than any of these other countries as the leaders of the two countries themselves attest. China is strategically Pakistan’s closest ally much more so than the fickle US and neutral Russia. China provides military/economic as well as diplomatic backing to shield Pakistan from its support for militancy against a India.
As for your assertion about Indo-Pak going back a 100 years and so on, I am not sure what your talking about because Pakistan was created out of British India in 1947 thanks to machinations by the British. Your statement is as ignorant as saying China-Taiwan issues go back a 100 years and puts a question mark on the depth of your historical let alone your geopolitical knowledge.
China is signaling that it will not accept India as a peer in the NSG or the UNSC as opposed to Russia (which supports it as Point 68 and 84 in the Putin-Modi agreement). And yes India is forging ahead regardless, and hence its agreements with both Russia (as noted in the communique above) and the US.
You dismiss China’s clear encroachment into disputed areas as “imaginative” when it is clearly changing the status quo (in which both parties move around disputed areas unfurling flags and beating their chests but retreat back to undisputed territory.). China is doing exactly what the US does with its “freedom of navigation” flag waving: asserting its right to move into disputed territory and thus daring to provoke a response.
As to India’s support for Tibetan separatists: yes the CIA backed this but there’s no evidence India was involved let alone condoned it. There are enough CIA ops against India also to begin with including turning a blind eye to Pakistani militancy against India when the focus was on the Soviets. India recognizes Tibet (with dispute about where the border with South Tibet is) as part of China and the one-China policy. Meanwhile China tacitly supports Pakistan in the Kashmir dispute (much as the US does Taiwan though will much less overt backing).
I regularly read Chinese English media – eg the Global Times – and re-translated Chinese think-tanks info. The picture that emerges is a very aggressive nationalism and jingoism with little alternative viewpoints (such as one finds in Indian print media if not India. TV which is fairly useless). For example, India is described as “pro-US” in the latest piece simply because it does not act against the US. India is as much “pro-US” as “pro-Russia” by this logic. India’s concerns are dismissed much in the same way Russia’s concerns are dismissed by the US as “whining” or unimportant.
The problem with China is that while there may be hot debates within the closed doors of the Politburo, public dissent and debate of strategic matters or criticism of the CCP’s actions (as opposed to local economic issues where there is mostly free opinion) is all but absent. While this authoritarian approach has had clear successes – and China has in many important dimensions like poverty allevaiation, healthcare, infrastructure, science and technology – is light years ahead of India, this also has bred a sort of arrogance that other views/experiences don’t matter.
I recall you made this point before. This is a cartoonish view of India no doubt shared by elite opinion in China and would be funny if not so tragic in your thinking.
While there were benefits accrued by India from British rule, the net consensus among many Indian elites is that it was a net negative. India’s natural growth was stunted and repurposed for British benefits, not Indian. The entire thrust of Indian nationalism opposed to British rule was that. Post 1947, Indian leaders saw China as natural allies against a shared experience of an ancient civilization rising from the oppression of Western imperialism. The Indo-China clash is 1962 ended this period of bonhomie.
Again your narrow knowledge and cartoonish interpretation of history causes your analysis to be equally faulty. Unfortunately your view seems concordant with that expressed in many Chinese mouthpieces which see India as an extension of the British Raj. It is China that cannot get past the past, not India. India’s issues with China are rooted in the relative present and not back in the East India Company days.
I can say that prior to the border clash last year, China, if not seen as an ally, was regarded more or less neutrally – like say India regards Vietnam. Business was brisk and growing. Most Indians who visit China are impressed with the infrastructure and even now there are calls to emulate certain positive aspects of Chinese governance.
I’ll end with this. I admire what China has done. It has clearly outpaced India in virtually all respects. Having said that India is a very different country than China, less homogenous – it is more like Europe with different languages/ethnicities – with a noisy governance system which makes long range planning challenging. It needs to chart its own path.
Given Chinese arrogance against India (typified in your post which is par for the course for Chinese media and I dare say the Chinese foreign policy elite), China will never be India’s ally. (Incidentally I think alienating India was/is a colossal blunder by Xi: a truly deep alliance between China/Russia/India would be unstoppable). India’s best bet is to make deeper alliances with Russia, elements of the West, and the developing world ensuring it is not drawn into either China’s or the West’s dependency.
And coming full circle, this agreement with Russia is part of that.
Dear Chanakya,
“Unlike what most of the readers on this website would prefer, which seems to be grand alliance against the Empire, India is staking a middle ground”
No sir, we do not prefer nothing and India is trying to sit on two chairs with one ass.
She may end up just like Turkey or the fake European union who’s political and Economic suicide is now clear over the horizon .You are blinded by your hatred of Pakistan so much that you do not see that the West is also using Terrorism as a stick against India. What is India doing in the QUADS anyway? A truly anti-Chinese group of irrelevant countries.
The West has been hypocritical with how it treated India and Iran about Nuclear power. India hates China (for being a partner to Pakistan)for the same reason the West hates China. The West hates China for refusing to stop being nationalist in their Production but not for being Capitalist in international Trade.
“It is unfortunately the rule of geopolitics that stronger powers always seek to impose their will on lesser powers.”
No and No. Russia has given up most of the money owed to the Soviet Union as a good will and clear indication that She has no Intention of imposing anything .China is not a colonial Country, China was raped and humiliated by the West. She has now enough weapon to pulverize all Western satellites.
What the Oligarchy in India needs to do is to stop loving London and love the people of India more than their Bank Accounts.
Cheers
Absolutely on the spot there. It wasn’t China that did Amritsar, Sepoy slaughters, wholesale theft of resources, divide et impera, Bengal holocaust, no Indians and dogs (no Chinese and dogs), Pakistan… wholesale conversions in Goa and elsewhere. And yet they hat China more than you hate your tormentors. There is only one explanation for this – an inferiority complex. You hate China precisely because it has freed itself while you are still imagining yourselves (especially your middle classes) wearing a fresh set of cricket whites and impressing the ladies lounging on the green.
Nobody is perfect but the three countries (which are not natural enemies) should reflect and come to each other – as I wrote below.
Let me try and answer some of your queries:
“What actions would a rising hegemon do in your view? China under Xi is rapidly expanding its military, seeking to impose its own debt backed economic engagements (like the US did with the World Bank/IMF post WW2) and being fairly aggressive (vs the softer touch espoused by prior regimes).”
China expanding its military is hardly hegemonic. Given its population, land area and the fact of the hegemon’s explicit declaration that it is out to get them, it is no surprise that it is improving its military. Even so, it is relatively small in comparison to most countries.
It is not too difficult to figure out what a rising hegemon would do. One only needs to at the actions of the US since 1945 and see if any country is trying to do the same.
Some examples:
– military bases all over the world, numbering in the hundreds. As far as I know China has one military base abroad, in Djibouti. I think that was largely to deal with the piracy menace in the area.
– Insistence on using the hegemon’s currency in unrelated commerce. So far, I am not aware that China has forced any country to use its currency in transactions not related with trade with China. Quite the opposite. It accepts the USD in its transaction with non US business.
– Treaties with extraterritoriality clauses. The US has several of these. Korea and Japan come to mind. There are probably others, either de facto, or de jure. As far as I know China has none.
– Predatory lending, use of financial treaties, agreements to impose the hegemon’s politics. The use of the IMF and WB since its establishment is example enough. So far, China has not done anything similar.
– use of military force- think of the number of US wars in the last 70 years and compare that with the “rising hegemon”.
There are others but the above should be sufficient to make my point.
“As to India’s support for Tibetan separatists: yes the CIA backed this but there’s no evidence India was involved let alone condoned it.”
A large operation of this kind is impossible to hide from any reasonably competent government. Either India was part of the operation or chose to turn a blind eye. Either way, that is an act of aggression. Why did India make this choice?
“The problem with China is that while there may be hot debates within the closed doors of the Politburo, public dissent and debate of strategic matters or criticism of the CCP’s actions (as opposed to local economic issues where there is mostly free opinion) is all but absent.”
How do you know? As you yourself have stated, you only read the English language Chinese media which is a very very small part of the total media output of China.
“While there were benefits accrued by India from British rule, the net consensus among many Indian elites is that it was a net negative. India’s natural growth was stunted and repurposed for British benefits, not Indian. The entire thrust of Indian nationalism opposed to British rule was that. ”
The elites of India benefitted during British rule and they continue to benefit after the British left. That is the reason why India’s share of the global economy has remained constant since 1947. Wittingly or unwittingly India has been a tool of Empire. It may change but there are no signs of it yet.
” India’s issues with China are rooted in the relative present and not back in the East India Company days.”
India really has only one issue with China and that is the border issue. Clearly designed and established by the British since the Company days.
“I can say that prior to the border clash last year, China, if not seen as an ally, was regarded more or less neutrally – like say India regards Vietnam. Business was brisk and growing. Most Indians who visit China are impressed with the infrastructure and even now there are calls to emulate certain positive aspects of Chinese governance.”
So, why did the border clashes happen? Who benefitted? Is it mere coincidence that they happened just at the time the US decided to “confront” China? I will give you a clue- consider how many of India’s senior leadership of the intelligence services have decided to emigrate to the US or decided to live there after their retirement?
“Given Chinese arrogance against India (typified in your post which is par for the course for Chinese media and I dare say the Chinese foreign policy elite), China will never be India’s ally. (Incidentally I think alienating India was/is a colossal blunder by Xi: a truly deep alliance between China/Russia/India would be unstoppable). India’s best bet is to make deeper alliances with Russia, elements of the West, and the developing world ensuring it is not drawn into either China’s or the West’s dependency.”
Stranger things have happened that India and China being allies. Once US hegemony is over there will be no use for any India/China border conflict. What do you think will happen when the real truth comes out about the India/China wars and disputes. Did Xi alienate India or was he being conciliatory by not escalating further? After all, as I have said before, EVERYTHING that Indians know about China comes from the West.
Thanks for this, my thoughts exactly.
For those who need a brief overview of the Annual summit – here is one published at Sputnik:
https://sputniknews.com/20211206/from-trade-to-space-cooperation-highlights-of-putin-modi-talks-at-21st-india-russia-annual-summit-1091289666.html
Also note that Shoigu and Lavrov were there too…… a very strong message sent to the collective “West”.
Their response:
https://sputniknews.com/20211206/biden-administration-reportedly-mulls-cutting-russia-off-swift-sanctions-against-energy-producers-1091294377.html
“…Biden administration officials are considering a wide array of options for possible sanctions against Russia to deter it from an alleged plan to invade Ukraine, CNN has reported, citing anonymous sources. The potential options reportedly include sanctions against undefined “members of Putin’s inner circle”, Russian energy companies, and banks. Russia’s sovereign debt might also be targeted, the sources claimed……”.
India sees where the wind is blowing – to Zone B.
One day ahead of the Video-Conference with Joe Biden.
That‘s not by accidence.
Well done, Vladimir
One of the most prepared meetings in recent meetings of national leaders in a bilateral format. This included the 2+2 Diplomatic – Military chiefs, Lavrov and Shoigu with their counterparts meeting separately.
Over a score of agreements that were worked on in many prior months so the meeting went as smoothly as any get-together could. All details agreed to before Putin made the trip.
What this amounts to is Russia pulling India closer to Moscow, closer to Eurasian Integration and safeguarding India’s security interest vis-a-vis China and Pakistan. No other country could provide those warranties that prevent war from breaking out with either China or Pakistan. Putin the Peacemaker is a role Modi trusts.
This was a win-win-win-win-win. Russia, India, China, Pakistan, and Eurasia have internal mechanisms in place to prevent war among its giant neighbors.
If not a ‘bloc’, what exists clearly is a ‘front’. The US is the odd man out.
Yours is a voice of sane wisdom which as an Indian I can only welcome and admire. Trouble is that the present ruling dispensation in India feeds entirely on Islamophobia and has a vested interest in stimulating religious division before every election and those elections are several every year since state elections also have to be won. Anyway, that is a problem for us to overcome and the overthrow of Trump in US gives hope that Modi/Erdogan/Bolsanaro/Boris/ Orban/Rajapakshe will also be cast into the dustbin of history.
Thank you for your nuanced account which didn’t address an important element of the dynamics of the complex trilateral relationship. By acting as a pivot, Russia is in a position to help China and India keep their (in my view bridgeable) differences under control and slowly increase their co-operation.
I understand that this is daydreaming but I’m sure I’m not alone in imagining a strategic triangle of three non-supremacist civilisations leading the world towards a more humane future.
Tbh, if you look inwards India is a Hindu-über-alles to the core. It’s similar to Al-Andalusia in the Ibero subcontinent. I don’t understand why they need to eradicate everything Muslim. If you look at Spain and Italy Muslim governance brought alot of good, too. Literature, medicine, early universities and libraries, a form of tolerance for other believes (not without problems, but still WAY more open to other religions than catholic christianity).
On the same note carried the Mughal Empire. It’s a huge mistake trying to eradicate parts of history.
Thank you.
I won’t elaborate but these are the three civilisations (Slav Orthodox, Hindu and Confucian) that have not drawn their strength from forced conversion of other cultures. This in my eyes makes them TRUE civilisations. I leave it to you to work out who the others are.
Very right. As an Indian, I do believe that our future lies in better relations with immediate neighbours, like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan and Afghanistan and Nepal. And China. Even the border issue is solvable. But the elephant in the room there is Dalai Lama in India as an exile. India needs to create trust with China and take China into confidence on the status of Dalai Lama in India. The way Willy Brandt as Mayor of West Berlin worked to gain the trust of the Soviets and East Germany. Brandt brushed aside US pressure to maintain hostility to Soviets. And that helped people.
You are right about Hinduism and Confucianism eschewing conversion. But Slav Orthodox X’ianity has practised forced conversion in the past. An Indian Marwari moneylender practised his trade in Astrakhan in S Russia in the 18th century. (He had probably come from Isfahan in Iran, where at that btime, a community existed of over 10000 Marwaris). He had the support of a local Duke and as long as thatb patron was there he could retain Hindu practices. After the Duke’s time , however, they forced him to convert and made his name Pyotr.
If we add Shia Islam and Buddhism which acts as a conscience of all Eastern civilisations, we get a full picture of a humane world directed towards higher goals – and also a deep, hidden cause of the Eurasian idea. What are some of the common goals of these TRUE civilisations (admittedly terribly weakened by Western influences)?
– Importance of a community (sobornost) while safeguarding individual dignity
– Influence of high spirituality on worldly affairs (again highly attenuated at the moment)
– Peaceful coexistence and friendship among nations
– Organic growth in sync with nature’s needs
– Money is a part of life but not its purpose
– Focus on the family, education and high expressions of the human mind and soul (science and art)
Finally, to address your question. Like Bosnia and Kosovo, Pakistan was created to cater to disgruntled Muslims (who suddenly became an ethnic group!) and to act as a kind of anti-matter to India’s matter (it is important to point out that it could never be the other way round).
Anti-countries created by the West are always made up of Muslims (Bosnia, Kosovo, Pakistan, potentially Xinjiang) or Roman Catholics (Croatia, Western Ukraine, Poland, potentially Byelorussia and others). I don’t know of any inverse examples. This is why it is very important for India (which has many, many Muslim citizens) to treat these right but also to maintain and strengthen its original civilisation – which sorry to say – is not Muslim.
Here is another Zen moment – all three cultures face the same issue with Islam. They have to play nice up to a point but also ensure that their original heritage is not harmed by the aggressive and West-supported Islamist ideologies.
Finally, these are true civilisations because the source of their power is within the domain itself and not a foreign locus mirabilis such as the Vatican, Mecca or Washington.
If you allow. You are right that religion cannot maintain national affiliation, otherwise a large part of German Buddhists today would be Tibetan Chinese, slavic Poles Italians, muslim Serbs Arabs. The concept of the “folk” or “language” is above religion, but since religion is one of the foundations of one civilization troughout history, it is used for war pretext by those who do not care about religion at all(polls show it). Like the English.
However, muslims reject Hindu as well, so the blame is on both sides. They use religion to reject nationalism as in the caliphate or to promote it somewhere like in Pakistan f.e. They have a problem with Indiens as unbelievers, Panjab is like Sindh filled with people of Indian descent, right, but they run away from it. Why? Why are they ashamed of their people affiliation? It is not like the Muslims in the Balkans who were bigger Turks than Osmans themselves. Today they are even not Turks but EUropeans, imagine that. Always with the big boss. So the problem is not completly religous, but in Pakistan it looks to me like religious question is primarily a problem. Why? How many Hindu Indians live in Pakistan for example? If you can explain that to us. Thanks
This comment to Jacob’s ladder was already addressed to Darkmoon. Small one was addressed to Jacob’s ladder. Thanks
Djole,
It is not a lack of respect but I’ve said everything I wanted to say. Just ponder for a minute or two – it all becomes clear. It’s a massive geopolitical attractor and it’s not surprising that the West would do everything to destroy it (even our Indian friend here is pooh-poohing it).
You wrote Catholics and Sunni Muslims. It is an international organization. What about the Protestants? They exist as both national (Anglican Church) and international. Today we know who funded the Catholic Church reform revolution in Europe. Why don’t you mention them here? If you already mention the basics of culture, then you know what Weber’s Protestant beliefs are based on. Or in the end we can not put all Catholics and Sunnis in the same position? Like a Judaic believers?
If you allow. You are right that religion cannot maintain national affiliation, otherwise a large part of German Buddhists today would be Tibetan Chinese, slavic Poles Italians, muslim Serbs Arabs. The concept of the “folk” or “language” is above religion, but since religion is one of the foundations of one civilization troughout history, it is used for war pretext by those who do not care about religion at all(polls show it). Like the English.
However, muslims reject Hindu as well, so the blame is on both sides. They use religion to reject nationalism as in the caliphate or to promote it somewhere like in Pakistan f.e. They have a problem with Indiens as unbelievers, Panjab is like Sindh filled with people of Indian descent, right, but they run away from it. Why? Why are they ashamed of their people affiliation? It is not like the Muslims in the Balkans who were bigger Turks than Osmans themselves. Today they are even not Turks but EUropeans, imagine that. Always with the big boss. So the problem is not completly religous, but in Pakistan it looks to me like religious question is primarily a problem. Why? How many Hindu Indians live in Pakistan for example? If you can explain that to us. Thanks
Not to be off topic but Putin was talking about sustainability lately. UN speak that bothered me. A WEF office also opened in Moscow recently. It almost feels Russia has made an agreement with the WEF A detente perhaps?
I would appreciate the feedback on this.
Yes, that is off topic (sigh).
And no, there is no such language as “UN speak”.
As for “sustainability” it is an English word and a praiseworthy goal.
Russia is on the brink of war with the entire West, and you ask if Russia made a deal with the WEF?
Seriously???????
ok, So why do you think the WEF opened an office in Moscow. I am genuinely curious.
@mark Hadath
Western media outlets and western-funded NGOs also operate in Russia, but they don’t have a say in Russia’s govt. policies.
I was under the impression Putin removed those organizations some years ago now.
OK, you asked for feedback. How about facts?
This was done because Russia intends to take a leading role in shaping the trajectory of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (There is another nice trigger word for some.) Russia is a leader in the world here, specifically in the weapons complexes. They are exploring the technology for implementation where it makes sense, in a broader field than the military.
The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Russia will be hosted by ANO Digital Economy in Moscow. It will work across the global network to maximize the benefits of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, while minimizing its risks.
We are going through a technological revolution and the basis of the technology is changing in our world.
Read: https://www.weforum.org/press/2021/10/russia-joins-centre-for-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-network/
(sorry for the little off topic here)
It’s impossible to imagine the US having this kind of dialogue with any country.
To quote a former Ameriacn president whi had a way with words: “You’re either with us or against us”.
The tone of the report is refreshingly wholesome and constructive. I welcome this return to the spirit of the United Nations as it was in the immediate postwar era, the spirit of reconstruction and social welfare which brought 20-30 years of peace and liberation to a large portion of the globe. Among so much good material here, the small paragraph 71 caught my eye:
“71. India and Russia stressed the achievements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the last two decades of its operation and noted the great potential for further interaction among the SCO Member States. Both Sides will continue to strengthen the SCO as one of the key pillars of the emerging, more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on international law, above all the UN Charter.”
This is a feather in the cap for Russian diplomacy.
Very typical. No fanfare, no razzmatazz. Just hard slog and results.
Coming hot on the heels of the recent RIC proclamation this is a big indication that while India is not openly anti-Empire like China or Russia, it is nevertheless sympathetic to the broad goals of a multilateral world.
The Indian experience of negotiating with the Empire has left India disillusioned- especially regarding the Quad and Afghanistan. Will it be enough to break away from the Empire? Not quite. But India is signalling that it has alternatives and will likely wait for the Empire to make its offer.
India’s response in the upcoming Biden sponsored “Democracy Fest” will be another indicator of where India is headed and how fast.
Thanks Chanakya for your explanation of the (an) Indian viewpoint.
It seems to me that when all is said and done, as others here have said, geopolitics would be much healthier it everyone got on with their closest neighbours. If India and China do not solve their disagreements, the Empire will exploit the situation. It will not, as its propaganda has convinced many around the world, facilitate peace and prosperity because it is inherently altruistic. The Empire is powerful and has a messianic, ie colonialist, mindset, so it simply cannot act in a way that preserves the red interest of other nations. It has to conquer, if not the land, then the minds.
Given this India and China should focus on mending their relationship and not using external actors as a crutch for avoiding this difficult task. As with anything, if this crutch were not available, they would have made their peace.
I should add here that of course Russia has thoroughly analyzed the historical factors, including failings of the Soviet Union, Imperial Russia, and today’s Russia that led to the creation of an “enemy brother” state next door. And Russia is trying its best to manage the Ukrainian problem, as well as applying the lessons learned to how it manages ethnic minorities within Russia and how it manages relations with the other former Soviet republics.
The CAATSA ( Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ) sanctions over the sale of the S – 400 Triumf Air Defense System to India are very much possible here.
Perhaps Mr. Modi and his folks don’t care, or they are ready for the blow. But if imposed, the CAATSA could darken significantly the relations between Washington and New Delphi. Pushing India into Russia’s corner.
But due to the fact that Turkey, which is a NATO member was sanctioned with the CAATSA, and Turkey also lost out on the purchase of the F – 35 Stealth aircraft. Turkey and others will see a double-standard here if no sanctions or very limited sanctions take place on India, which I believe will happen.
The U.S./ West will not want to alienate New Delphi into the Moscow fold deeper and deeper. I also think that so long as India keeps purchasing weapon systems from Washington, Tel Aviv which it has been doing, New Delphi will at most get a slap on the wrist.
One more note on the subject at hand, Beijing has purchased its S – 400 Triumf’s in 2014 and started test-firing them in 2018. So India is behind the 8-ball on this one. Also, India is running late on its indigenous air-defense systems so it really has had to rely in some ways on Israel, which really gets most of its tech from the west.
One can wager that the Chinese scientists have fully disassembled an S – 400 Triumf and have studied it to the fullest, and have replicated enormous amounts of them. I would not be surprised here if the Chinese don’t have a complete missile dome much like the S-500 or S-550. After all, these folks are on the Moon and Mars. And soon there will be Pakistani Taikonauts.
A lot of talk in this annual meeting, and the Indian press are beside themselves with excitement. Perhaps one should wait for some time, as things geopolitically are heating up and Russian and Chinese relations are all-weather as Beijing likes to say. And Russia absolutely needs China.
Enjoyed reading some well-articulated comments and arguments.
My former professor, Kent Calder, really a Japan specialist, has a 2019 book (his most recent, I think), titled “Super Continent: The Logic of Eurasian Integration”.
Just wondering whether folks have read it and, if so, what they think of the book, especially in the context of the future of RIC tripartite/trilateral relations