NEW COALITIONS
| Date :11-Sep-2020 |
A DENSE global coalition is steadily shaping up on the strength of mutual respect, common concerns and shared synergy between India, France and Australia. On another parallel, the Indo-Russian bilateral relationship is witnessing opening of a new chapter built on traditional partnership and necessity of a geostrategy in the swiftly changing global political environment. India’s position as a dependable pivot in both the coalitions is endorsement of its strong democracy, strong economic foundation and strategic strengths which are sought by countries looking for trusted partners for a long-time relationship.
The strong triad has given India a vital geopolitical advantage in the Indo-Pacific Region and a firm footing in international ecosystem at a time when a new counter is building up against China’s belligerence. The first trilateral dialogue between India, France and Australia and bilateral talks between India and Russia are a signal to China about the growing global acceptance to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s concept of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The acceptance has come not only because of India’s strategic position in the region but also due to its firm belief in adhering to democratic values and accountability.
These attributes are ingrained in India’s global thinking which the world is acknowledging now by forging bilateral relations for enhanced cooperation in multiple domains including economy, security and humanitarian assistance. Coalitions are formed on the basis of mutual trust and respect for each other’s sovereignty. India stands at the top in both aspects with its non-transactional foreign policy and strategy of co-operation. Adding to the strengths is India’s growing military capacity and emergence as a fast-growing economy. Despite the present slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, India’s economy is poised for a big leap once the global turbulence gets over. These qualities make India a trustworthy and reliable partner for any country seeking to grow together.
The new coalition shaping up in the Indo-Pacific is based on all these factors. The trilateral and Indo-Russian warmth add a diplomatic muscle to India’s efforts in wake of growing Chinese assertiveness. Maritime cooperation between Indo-Pacific countries is a perfect response to China’s increased forays in the seas. France and Australia are key partners in the Indo-Pacific and the trilateral will help in building respective strengths to ensure a peaceful, secure, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region. This will be an added mechanism to the Quad, comprising United States, Japan, Australia and India. Beijing’s belligerence necessitates greater maritime cooperation between like-minded partners not just to enhance their security needs but also to build the capacity of friendly countries in the Indo-Pacific Region. China’s increasing military activities in eastern Ladakh makes it imperative for India to secure all other fronts including the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Maritime cooperation and greater logistics support from France and Australia will give India a position of strength in the seas while dealing with the Chinese threat in the waters. Any confrontation with China cannot be limited to the military level and India is building a strong diplomatic wall to nail Beijing’s dirty designs. The strategic bilateral talk with Russia is part of creating a mechanism to deter China from getting assertive in domains other than security. New Delhi and Washington have already formed a joint strategy to counter China. Similar strategy in collaboration with Moscow will be a perfect deterrent to Beijing’s imperialistic ambitions. The moot point in both the ongoing endeavours is ready acceptance of India’s vision of a peaceful relation between the region’s two superpowers. India has always advocated for diplomatic resolution to any confrontation. While the diplomatic channels keep working for a solution, by reaching out to strategic partners in all domains India has sent a signal to China.