Escalation between India, China can cause regional instability: Russia

Russia on Thursday said any escalation in the border tension between India and China amid the global turbulence and unpredictability would further trigger regional instability in Eurasia and the friction can be misused by other players in their geopolitical purposeAt an online media briefing Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said Russia is naturally concerned over the tensions between the two Asian powers noting that it was very important for both the countries to engage more in constructive dialogueReferring to both India and China being members of the SCO and BRICS groupings Babushkin said respectful dialogue is a main tool when it comes to cooperation in the framework of multilateral platformsIt is clear that amid global turbulence and unpredictability escalation between India and China would further affect regional instability in our common home Eurasia The escalation we are witnessing can be misused by other players in their geopolitical purposes he saidWe feel it is very important to encourage both our friendly Asian countries to be more engaged in constructive dialogue Recent news about their commitment to exercise restraint and continue communication through diplomatic and military channels to remove tensions are absolutely welcoming developments he addedIndia and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh for over six months Both sides are now working on proposals on disengagement of troops from the highaltitude regionThe Eurasian region has also been witnessing turmoil in the last few months primarily due to rising cases of coronavirus and tense relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the NagornoKarabakh regionRussia remains in a unique position since it has special strategic relations with both India and China and these relationships are independent in nature We are naturally concerned with the current tensions between India and China However we believe that a peaceful solution is inevitable sooner rather than later Babushkin saidBoth are global and responsible neighbouring powers with huge economic and defence potential as well as civilisational wisdom he addedWhen asked whether the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the BRICS groups can play a role in defusing tensions between two of their member nations the Russian diplomat said both the groupings have developed mechanisms for positive engagementsCertainly respectful dialogue is the main tool when it comes to cooperation in the framework of the SCO and BRICS Both associations have developed dozens of mechanisms of sector wise cooperation and let me assure you that their relevant interest is growing he saidThe BRICS comprises Brazil Russia India China and South AfricaAsked about growing ties between India and the US Babushkin said Russia does not see any problem in the relations adding New Delhi does not provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitmentsNew Delhi is a global power with multifaceted and wide and diversified national interests and we respect that India does not provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments he saidAt the same time the Russian Deputy Chief of Mission made a veiled reference to the threat by the US to India to not go ahead with mega defence dealsWe know that there were attempts to pressure India and use unfair and illegal competition tools such as threats of sanctions and other restrictions he saidIn October 2018 India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S400 air defence missile systems notwithstanding a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctionsTalking about regional cooperation Babushkin also mentioned about the RussiaIndiaChina trilateral groupingLetrsquos not forget about another very important trilateral mechanism RIC which will be chaired by India next year We are confident that it is well designed to ensure a positive atmosphere and to expand its practical agenda he saidKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever