On the occasion of the 53rd Victory Day (21 December 2023), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh successfully concluded the “2nd Bangabandhu Diplomatic Cup” Tennis Tournament-2023 with the final match between Team Pakistan (High Commission of Pakistan) and Team Denmark (Embassy of Denmark) followed by a prize giving ceremony. The highly competitive match ended with the winning of the Team Denmark and the Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller won the best player medal in the tournament. Ashrafuzzaman Khan (Puton), President of the Dhaka Club was the Chief Guest of the prize giving ceremony and Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) was present as the Special Guest.  The High Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Ahmed Maroof, and Chief of Protocol Nayem Uddin Ahmed were present during the prize giving ceremony. Diplomats from eight different countries: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Pakistan, Russia, Sweden, UK and the Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the tournament symbolizing goodwill and unity. Participation of the diplomats from several countries made the event a successful one, who aptly demonstrated athletic abilities, sportsmanship, and great acumen throughout the tournament.

China was an early proponent of a ceasefire in Gaza and has called for wider talks on resolving the Palestinian question. But analysts say the situation is complicated, and it’s not clear what Beijing expects to achieve, and how it can get there. Beijing has been a supporter of the Palestinians since the Mao era and long called for a two-state solution, but it is increasingly close to Israel, and is presenting itself as a neutral party that holds steadfast to a noninterference principle. Beijing is also trying to build on its minimal but growing influence in the Middle East, where it has major economic interests, and also presenting itself as a leader of the global south, and furthering its anti-US agenda. A week on from the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel, in which 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, called for a global peace conference and accused Israel of going “beyond the scope of self defence” in its bombing of Gaza. On 16 October, Xi Jinping called for a ceasefire “as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiralling out of control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis”. China – which this month became chair of the UN security council – was one of 120 nations to vote for a general assembly ceasefire resolution, and sent a Middle East special envoy, Zhai Jun, to the region. “Rhetorical support for the Palestinians alongside most of the Arab and Muslim world is relatively cost-free to offer (and frankly, a fair slice of the western world too is very concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supports a two-state solution),” said Rorry Daniels, the managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute. “But anything more creates a tricky set of consequences that I would assume China seeks to avoid.” The conflict comes at a time when Beijing is seeking to grow its influence in the Middle East – a region where it has historically not had significant clout – by building on its involvement in brokering a deal earlier this year to normalise relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in east Asia at King’s College London, who attended a recent security forum in Beijing, said there were signs Beijing was leaning on Iran to prevent further escalation of the conflict as a step towards ceasefire. “They’re trying to use their acquired influence in the region to see if they can target a fragile and fast evolving situation in a way that allows them to claim – if a victory comes around – that they were part of the solution not the problem.” Raymond Kuo, a political scientist at the Rand Corporation, said Beijing still didn’t have strong enough influence in the deeply complex region to effect a real solution. “Beijing might want to act as a mediator, but will it actually put skin in the game, including financial assistance, political pressure, and security support or even guarantees, especially given the region’s complexity? I’m doubtful, especially since it hasn’t been involved thus far.” Analysts also linked China’s response to its ongoing rivalry with the US, which is a major supporter of Israel and voted against ceasefires at the UN, and its wish to be seen as the more responsible global superpower. “This is an opportunity to support Beijing’s wider ‘wolf warrior’ narrative of blaming bad things happening internationally on the US,” said Kuo. Daniels said: “China sees a high priority in the international landscape as preserving its reputation as the leader of the developing world. I think China wants to position itself as a champion of any country or people oppressed by the broader coalition of US allies and partners, as well as a fair broker for dispute settlement and resolution.” The issue has also allowed Beijing to push back on ongoing accusations about its own human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. On 30 October, China’s embassy in France tweeted a composite image of intact buildings in Xinjiang and a destroyed neighbourhood in Gaza. Tuvia Gering, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies’ Israel-China Policy Center in Tel Aviv, said the pictures were designed to say, “We, the Chinese, care about the Muslims. What [the west] is saying about us is blatant lies.” Among Chinese people there is deep distress over the thousands of people being killed in Israeli strikes. One woman in Beijing tells the Guardian that she and her compatriots sympathise with Palestine because the situation reminds them of the Japanese occupation of China during the second world war. The conflict has also seen antisemitic discourse rise in China, on social media, and from official voices. While antisemitism has long existed in China, and flourished in particular in nationalist corners of the internet, analysts note that Beijing’s refusal to condemn Hamas for the 7 October attacks have emboldened a Chinese influencers to voice antisemitic tropes more vigorously. This content has been allowed to flourish on China’s tightly controlled social media, indicating at least a tacit tolerance for racist content. Hashtags that use antisemitic tropes have had tens of millions of views. Antisemitism in China rises every time there is a conflict involving Israel, said Gering. “But this is on steroids. This is as fast as I’ve ever seen it.” The tone of online discourse was set by state media and official pronouncements, he said. Much of the online discussion focuses on the destruction wrought by the conflict. But some of the commentary also uses antisemitic tropes to make points that serve Beijing’s geopolitical interests, such as challenging the US’s dominance on the world stage. In an article published on 14 October, Luo Yuan, a retired major general in the People’s Liberation Army, wrote that Israel was a “pawn” planted in the Middle East to execute American interests in the region. Some tropes have been combined with other recent nationalistic campaigns. On 11 October, one influencer with 2.5 million followers wrote that Jewish people financed Tepco, the Japanese company responsible for discharging wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant – a highly contentious issue in China. Associating Jews with the issue is “like a modern blood libel of the Jews as the well-poisoners”, said Gering. Many of the comments below are explicitly antisemitic, with references to Hitler and Judas. According to Weibo’s community guidelines, users are prohibited from posting “harmful content”, but antisemitic comments remained online weeks after being posted. Source: The Guardian 

In the hustle and bustle of New York’s United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders converge to discuss the globe’s most pressing issues, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself standing alone, his once-dazzling smile now fading amidst the mounting pressures of international diplomacy. The spotlight had firmly fixed on Trudeau due to a startling allegation he made earlier in the week, one that sent shockwaves across diplomatic circles and raised eyebrows around the world. Trudeau claimed there was credible evidence suggesting the Indian government’s involvement in the extrajudicial killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. The victim? A Sikh activist, whom India had accused of terrorism. Delhi vehemently denied any wrongdoing, further complicating an already strained relationship between the two nations. As reporters pressed Trudeau for answers, he carefully navigated the diplomatic minefield, stating, “We’re not looking to provoke or cause problems. We’re standing up for the rules-based order.” However, one persistent journalist asked the question on everyone’s mind, “Where are Canada’s allies in this hour of need?” The uncomfortable truth for Trudeau was that, at least in the public eye, he stood virtually alone on the world stage, facing off against India, a nation with a population 35 times greater than Canada’s and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. While his Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners, including the UK and Australia, expressed concern over the allegations, their support appeared tepid at best, with statements lacking the fervor Trudeau had hoped for. Even Canada’s closest neighbor, the United States, remained conspicuously silent, causing observers to question the depth of their alliance. President Joe Biden’s praise for India’s contributions to the global economy during his UN speech only fueled further speculation about the US’s stance. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan attempted to downplay any rift, stating that Canada was being closely consulted, but the broader message was clear: Canada’s interests appeared dwarfed by India’s strategic importance in the eyes of its allies. Xavier Delgado, a researcher at the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, noted, “The United States, the UK, and all these Western and Indo-Pacific allies have built a strategy that largely focuses on India, to be a bulwark and counterweight to China. That’s something they can’t afford to toss out the window.” The Canadian network CTV reported that the Five Eyes partners had shared intelligence on the matter, but when questioned about whether these allies had rebuffed Canada’s appeal for public condemnation of the murder, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen remained tight-lipped. These events spotlighted Canada’s current shortcomings on the global stage. While a dependable Western ally, Canada lacks the “hard power” to influence international affairs decisively. Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute, described the situation as a “moment of weakness” for Canada. Despite these challenges, few questioned Trudeau’s decision to disclose the allegations publicly, given the gravity of the situation. However, the harsh geopolitical realities meant Trudeau faced days of isolation as tensions with India escalated. Diplomatic expulsions, travel advisories, and the suspension of visa services for Canadians traveling to India only added to the Prime Minister’s woes. Trudeau’s challenging week unfolded against the backdrop of a difficult summer, marked by issues such as inflation, alleged Chinese interference in Canadian elections, and a controversial prison transfer. As a result, his approval ratings plummeted to a three-year low, with 63% of Canadians expressing disapproval. Campbell Clark, chief political writer for the Globe and Mail, noted that Trudeau’s once-soaring popularity has waned over eight years in office. Yet, some experts speculate that this international standoff with India may provide Trudeau with a much-needed respite from domestic troubles, offering him a chance to regain his footing. As Trudeau navigates these treacherous waters, the world watches to see whether he can muster the diplomatic finesse and resilience to reassert Canada’s presence on the global stage and, in the process, resurrect his own political fortunes at home. Source: khalsavox.com

By Ayushi Agarwal Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi in a press briefing here said that the resumption of the diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia mediated by China should not be a concern for India, adding that this step could benefit India since it helps intensify stability and peace in the Persian Gulf region. "The resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran whether the mediation has been done by China or India or any other would be to the benefit of India. Since it helps and intensifies the stability and peace in the region and security in the Persian Gulf region", said the Iranian Envoy. Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the Sunni world. Iran is a leading country in Shia world. So, it will effect the region positively. In the comings months , the embassies will be open and relations between two countries will be restarted and it will help different crisis in the region. "It (diplomactic ties between Iran-Saudi) would be to the benefit of India despite it has been done by the mediation of China. I think it is not a concern for India. China is a power in the world now competing with the US and no one can deny the power and position of China. India is a rising power. So, this resumption could be to the benefit of India", he added. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two pillars of Islamic world. Two powers in the west of Asia. "There are different commonalities between two countries. Of course there are differences between their political approaches. The main point is that Iran should accept Saudi Arabia as it is and Saudi Arabia should except Iran as it is. We look at Saudi Arabia and other nations respectfully. Not to interfere in their internal issue is a basic principle in our foreign policy," he added. Earlier, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a China-brokered agreement to restore diplomatic relations, ending a seven-year dispute. "The three countries expressed their keenness to exert all efforts towards enhancing regional and international peace and security," according to a statement signed by senior representatives from China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, in a response by India on its reaction to the China-brokered reconciliation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, it said that New Delhi had always been in favour of "dialogue and diplomacy". In the first official response, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that it had "seen reports" about the agreement. "India has good relations with various countries in West Asia and we have an abiding interest in the region. India has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences," he said at the weekly media briefing on Thursday.

Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen welcomed the breakthrough decision over resumption of the diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran while Dhaka believes it will reduce tension in the Middle East. "Bangladesh is a peace loving country and it welcomes the decision to resume the diplomatic ties between the two brotherly countries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Republic of Iran," he said in remarks delivered to media tonight. The foreign minister said Bangladesh lauds the role played by China, Iraq, and Oman for facilitating the negotiation, leading to the successful breakthrough. He further said Dhaka believes that it would contribute to reducing tension and conflict in the Gulf region, foster stability, and create the path for "durable and sustainable long term peace for the betterment of the brotherly peoples in the Middle East region". Saudi Arabia and Iran have recently agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing and seven years after ties were cut.

Most of the countries are looking for a diplomatic solution to the escalating Ukraine-Russia crisis, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, in Paris on Tuesday. Addressing the meeting, which was dominated by the Ukraine crisis, Mr. Jaishankar said France was a “resident power” in the Indo Pacific.  The situation in Ukraine is the result of a complex chain of events over the past thirty years. Most countries, such as India or France which is very active, are looking for a diplomatic solution. India can talk with Russia, with other countries in the U.N. Security Council and support initiatives like those of France, he said. The quadrilateral “Quad” cooperation originally consisted of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, but France and the United Kingdom own overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and have therefore asserted their plans to be part of the Indo-Pacific future.  However, in recent weeks, Indo-Pacific has also emerged as a concept that is connected to European security. Indicating that concern Mr. Jaishankar said that they see challenges on that score with the clarity that proximity brings. And believe me, distance is no insulation. The issues we confront in the Indo-Pacific will extend beyond, even to Europe. Mr. Jaishankar welcomed French involvement in the Indo-Pacific. He said that they have very close relationship with France, which is improving over time. The high quality of our relationship affects sensitive areas like defense, nuclear, space, etc. France has been a valuable partner in these areas. Source: thehindu.com

With war clouds gathering over Ukraine, international diplomacy goes into overdrive on Monday with the French and Russian presidents to meet in Moscow and the German chancellor heading to the White House to meet with US leader Joe Biden.     Also Monday, the German, Czech, Slovak and Austrian foreign ministers were expected in Kyiv, which has played down dire US warnings that Moscow had stepped up preparations for a major incursion into Ukraine.     US officials have said the Kremlin has assembled 110,000 troops along the border with its pro-Western neighbour but intelligence assessments have not determined whether President Vladimir Putin has actually decided to invade.     They said Russia is on track to amass a large enough force -- some 150,000 soldiers -- for a full-scale invasion by mid-February.     Such a force would be capable of taking the capital Kyiv in a matter of 48 hours in an onslaught that would kill up to 50,000 civilians, 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 10,000 Russian troops and trigger a refugee flood of up to five million people, mainly into Poland, the officials added.     On top of the potential human cost, Ukraine fears further damage to its already struggling economy.     And if Moscow attacks Ukraine it could face retaliation over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline -- set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany -- with Berlin threatening to block it.     Russia is seeking a guarantee from NATO that Ukraine will not enter the alliance and wants the bloc to withdraw forces from member states in eastern Europe.     - 'Apocalyptic predictions' -     Moscow denies that it is planning to invade Ukraine, and Kyiv's presidency advisor said the chances of a diplomatic solution to the crisis remained "substantially higher than the threat of further escalation".     On Twitter, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sought to calm tensions, saying: "Do not believe the apocalyptic predictions. Different capitals have different scenarios, but Ukraine is ready for any development."     President Emmanuel Macron of France, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, will be in Moscow on Monday and Kyiv on Tuesday to spearhead efforts to de-escalate the crisis.     He is expected to push forward a stalled peace plan for the festering conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.     The trip will be a political gamble for Macron, who faces a re-election challenge in April.     Also on Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet with Biden in Washington.     Biden has reacted to the Russian troop buildup by offering 3,000 American forces to bolster NATO's eastern flank, with a batch of the troops promised arriving in Poland on Sunday.     But US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told Fox News Sunday that Biden "is not sending forces to start a war or fight a war with Russia in Ukraine".     "We have sent forces to Europe to defend NATO territory," he said.     Scholz said Sunday that Berlin was prepared to send extra troops to the Baltics in addition to 500 soldiers already stationed in Lithuania under a NATO operation.     While he is in Washington, his foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, will be in Kyiv along with her Czech, Slovak and Austrian counterparts for a two-day visit.     Scholtz will be in Moscow and Kyiv next week for talks with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Source : AFP/BSS AH

Russian foreign ministry today (Monday) greeted Bangladesh as Dhaka and Moscow is set to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on January 25.      "Congratulations to our Bangladeshi friends on this milestone anniversary of our relations," said Russian's foreign ministry' spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, according to a press release issued by the Russian embassy in the capital today.  "Our countries have long been bound by friendly ties, the foundation of which was laid back in 1972, when the (then) USSR supported the national liberation struggle of the people of Bangladesh and was among the first countries to recognize the independence of the new state," she said.   Zakharova said Bangladeshis remember the feat of Soviet military sailors, who cleared the waters of the port of Chittagong from mines and sunken ships in 1972-1974. "Today, our countries maintain an active political dialogue, which is built on the principles of equality and mutual respect," she said.  Currently, the spokeswoman she said Bangladesh is Russia’s major trading partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $2.5 billion a year.  "The mechanism of the Intergovernmental Russian-Bangladesh Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, established in 2017, functions well," she observed.   Major economic projects are underway, including the construction of Rooppur, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, she added.  Source: BSS AH

     The fourth EU-Bangladesh Diplomatic Consultations were held in a constructive and cordial atmosphere against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and the birth centenary of Father of the  Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Both sides welcomed that EU-Bangladesh relations have deepened over more than four decades and thus aimed at broadening the EU-Bangladesh engagement beyond the current priority areas of trade, migration, human rights, Rohingya humanitarian crisis and development cooperation. The EU and Bangladesh agreed to step up cooperation on climate action, digitalisation, connectivity and security, taking into account the EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific. In this regard, both sides discussed initiating a regular political dialogue for providing strategic guidance and intensifying foreign and security policy cooperation.       Covid response and post-Covid recovery were also discussed. Team Europe mobilized EUR 334m for Covid-19 response and recovery in Bangladesh aiming notably at safeguarding the livelihoods of workers in export-oriented industries. Bangladesh appreciated the EU’s support for the direct Covid-response in the form of medical and personal protective equipment, and the supply of vaccines through the global COVAX facility. Individual EU Member States donated an additional one million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Bangladesh. Bangladesh highlighted its call for making the COVID vaccine a globally available public good and stressed the need for promoting vaccine production at affordable price for the benefit of low and lower-middle income countries.       The EU commended Bangladesh’s leadership of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and of the V20 Climate Vulnerables Finance Summit. The discussion covered a range of topics and priorities in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation, with the EU signaling, inter alia, interest to support renewable energy, notably regional hydropower generation, and energy connectivity. Both sides underscored the  importance of updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and the need for mobilizing adequate funding for mitigation as well as adaptation. The EU invited Bangladesh to consider a Green Partnership with the EU, which both sides will discuss in detail at the climate dialogue in Dhaka in early 2022. Bangladesh commended the EU’s commitments towards climate action and the EU provided further information regarding its proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.        Democracy and human rights are shared values between Bangladesh and the EU. The EU raised the issue of the Digital Security Act (DSA), expressing concerns that some of its provisions risk going beyond the stated purpose of fighting digital crime and also inquired about certain ongoing trials in this context. The EU encouraged Bangladesh to implement the recommendations made during the last Universal Periodic Review. The Bangladesh side provided updates and shared its perspectives in this regard. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen democratic governance in post-COVID recovery and condemned communal or sectarian violence and discrimination in any form or manifestation, anywhere.        The EU commended Bangladesh for its continuing success as the by far largest beneficiary of the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) unilateral preferential trade scheme. In this context, the EU welcomed the finalisation and publication by Bangladesh of its National Action Plan on the Labour Sector and stressed the need for its comprehensive implementation as per the stipulated timelines. Bangladesh reiterated the need for ensuring fair prices, especially in view of the investments being made in safer and greener factories.       The EU reiterated its appreciation for the generous role and action of the people and Government of Bangladesh for continuing to temporarily host a million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar for more than four years. The Bangladesh side thanked the EU for its political and humanitarian support in the aftermath of the crisis. Both sides stressed the need for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Bangladesh and the UNHCR relating to Bhasan Char. The EU raised the importance of providing perspectives to the largely young population of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, especially in terms of education, improved livelihoods and of ensuring safety and security.      In the context of the ongoing implementation of the mechanism under Article 25a of the Visa Code, the EU welcomed the progress that Bangladesh has demonstrated in implementing the Standard Operating Procedures for the Identification and Return of Persons without an Authorization to Stay. The EU urged Bangladesh to continue its commitment and demonstrate further concrete results, including on clearing the backlog of cases, and meeting the commitments set out in the Standard Operating Procedures. Bangladesh proposed that the EU look at opportunities to widen legal pathways for migration by creating employment for skilled and semi-skilled workforce from Bangladesh.              Cooperation under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) of the EU was discussed with a view to enhancing cooperation, particularly in the areas of strengthening health systems and green inclusive development.       The EU presented its new Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides discussed the political and security situation in the region, including in Myanmar and Afghanistan, maritime security, as well as counter-terrorism and cooperation within the UN fora.       Both sides agreed to work on this common agenda with a view to reaching concrete progress and deliverables, which will be reviewed in the course of the next consultations, to be held in Dhaka in 2023.        The EU delegation was led by the European External Action Service Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific Gunnar Wiegand, and the Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to establish a two-plus-two meeting between the two nations' foreign and defense ministers. In a tweet, Modi said he had had an "excellent conversation with my friend President Putin," and that they had decided to launch a two-plus-two "to add further momentum to our strong strategic partnership." The move likely comes as a blow to U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, which has been encouraging India to move away from Russian defense equipment and instead increase interoperability with the U.S. and its allies. But analysts said that India was trying to balance its relationships -- perhaps avoiding being too reliant on the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue alone, as it counters China. The Quad -- the U.S., Japan, India and Australia -- has emerged as a major political platform for like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific. But India's traditional defense ties with Russia have held back deeper cooperation in the security field. India is Russia's largest customer of arms. India currently has three "two-plus-two" dialogues, with the U.S., Japan and Australia. The new version with Russia will be the first outside the Quad.  The U.S. and India have convened three such meetings, with the latest held in October 2020, when then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper visited New Delhi to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. India and Japan were planning to hold their second two-plus-two this month to pave the way for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to India in May. Both events have been postponed due to the pandemic. Since gaining independence in 1947, India has traditionally adhered to the principle of nonalignment. More recently it has adopted a foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy. However, for defense equipment it has always turned to Russia. India has made Russian MiG fighter planes and Su-30 jets under license, and the two sides have collaborated to develop and produce supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles in India. When Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited India earlier this month, he told reporters the two countries were discussing additional production of Russian military equipment in India. Meanwhile, the U.S. has warned New Delhi that it could face sanctions if it proceeds with the purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems under a deal struck in 2018. The timing of the announcement, coming at a moment when Washington's slow response to India's COVID crisis caused some consternation in Delhi, as did its recent freedom-of-navigation operations in India's exclusive economic zone, raise concerns about the state of U.S.-India relations. But analysts said the India-Russia two-plus-two was more of a diplomatic balancing act.  Bonny Lin, a political scientist at Rand Corp., said that a number of regional countries, including India, Vietnam and Indonesia, are trying to broaden their diplomatic relationships "so that they are not necessarily reliant on any single external power in order to counter China." Lin cited Vietnam's response in the South China Sea in 2019 as an example of how countries are trying a new response. "The Vietnamese used a Russian oil company that then employed a Japanese oil rig to push back against China." China's response was milder compared to the reaction in 2014, Lin said. "So I see India's improving relationship with Russia as falling in similar lanes. India is trying to broaden its relationships and friendships, and I don't see any contradictions with the Quad at all." Darshana Baruah, associate fellow with the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the India-Russia two-plus-two should not be a setback for the Biden administration. "It’s one of those differences that would need to be managed," she said. "Each country has its own priorities. For instance, despite being treaty allies, Japan has better relations with Iran than the U.S." Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the Wilson Center, said many "will be struck by the timing" of this announcement. "But there's a broader geopolitical story here: India is keen to keep its relationship with Russia on track, especially as Moscow scales up its ties with Pakistan." Kugelman also sees a connection with the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan. India is committed to continuing its growing partnership with the U.S., "but it's also keen to maintain a substantive partnership with Russia, especially as the U.S. withdrawal raises the risk of considerable regional churn," he said. Retired Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, India's former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, described the two-plus-two as an "excellent diplomatic development and a need of the hour." Singh, who is now a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, said that the bilateral relationship is "time and environment-tested," and that with a majority of Indian military equipment originating in Russia, there is a "natural bond for upgrading and modernization." He said the purchase of the controversial S-400 is "in the healthy pipeline for defense cooperation."  Jeff Smith, research fellow for South Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said " India is a sovereign country that will pursue whatever diplomatic engagements it sees as in its national interest." Smith noted that India has been holding more 2-plus-2 meetings with a growing number of countries in recent years and "it's not all that surprising Russia has been added to the list." "India has established a 2-plus-2 with Australia, after all, a relationship that is maturing but not on the same level as India's traditional ties with Russia," he said. Last November, India hosted its Quad partners in a naval exercise called Malabar 2020. The exercise was designed to enhance interoperability between the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. maritime forces. The U.S. is increasingly looking to conduct joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific to counter China. But experts have noted that the prevalence of Russian equipment in the Indian military has made it difficult to link up with American hardware. Source: Nikkei Asia AH