At the Raisina Dialogue 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar offered a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving dynamics of Russia-China relations, outlining the importance of providing Russia with multiple options for engagement.
Highlighting the ambiguous views on the growing Russia-China relations, Jaishankar remarked, “There are people, who set up policies to bring the two nations together and then they say beware of the two coming together.”
Further underscoring the significance of nurturing strong ties with Russia, Dr Jaishankar commented, “It is certainly in the national interest of Bharat but it is also in Global interest. A lot of doors have been closed to Russia and the West. Russia is turning more to Asia or to parts of the world which are not the West. It makes sense to give Russia multiple options.”
Dr Jaishankar asserted, “If we railroad Russia into a singular direction it could inadvertently reinforce a self-fulfilling prophecy. Diversification of engagement is crucial.”
Urging other countries, especially the Asian, to actively engage with Russia, he mentioned, “Russia is a power with an enormous tradition of statecraft, and such powers would never put themselves into a single relationship of an overwhelming nature.”
As the dialogue continued, Dr Jaishankar’s insights prompted a re-evaluation of diplomatic approaches, underlining the necessity of adaptability and inclusivity in navigating complex geopolitical realities.
