If the Russo-Ukraine conflict sought to herald a new systemic world order, then the latest Moscow-Beijing led Kazan conclave, albeit “Declaration”, is indicative of their intention to form a new grouping, to challenge the USA-EU-dominated current global order.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the unipolar dominance of the United States had been established. However, a “Rising China”, notwithstanding its much-touted “harmonious development”, has been a veritable foil to American suzerainty of the seas that the West once ruled.
Xi Jinping’s China has been systematically seeking to capture space and carve out alliances in order to confront USA. The manner in which has brought finance to such a space is indicative of its new agenda.
Beijing’s time-bound benchmarks, to be the dominant regional force, leading eventually to it being a superpower by the middle of the 21st century, is leading to a confrontation with the USA. The theatre of the neo-conflict seems to be the Asia-Pacific with the Indian Ocean Region as the critical centre-point.
The return of Trump, with a historic comeback as the 47th US President, is likely to increase the aforementioned belligerence and one-upmanship between the Great Power GVs.
But there has to be a balance in world order. Tides have to be churned to the moons of the day.
India, under Modi’s leadership, has become the messiah, the voice of sanity in this emerging bloc conflict. India is part of all the recent major groupings like SCO, BRICS and QUAD. It has very deftly taken on the crucial role, loud-hailing rationality and sanity in the emerging world order. It has ensured that balance and harmony remain the underpinnings of these amalgamates. It has so far been successful in ensuring that they do not become segmented and antagonistic.
The Kazan summit provided just such an opportunity. If Moscow and Beijing were in their anti-West belligerence, India acted as the archetypal mediator. Indeed, it not only had the interest of the Indian nation, but a world in the throes of impending crises. The Indian leadership has showcased to the globe what real “Amity” can prove.
Lines will be drawn. But it need not be East against West. It is clear that the Sino-Russian axis seeks that. But a sane midway voice has to prevail. It is particularly important in the present ill-gotten times. India’s near-abroad is being seriously compromised. Extra-regional powers are dogging its doorsteps. Power management has to come into strategic play.
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India‘s midway role in the near future would be important for not only its own but the world. The manner in which Modi showcased his brinkmanship by tersely bringing to bear right rudder alignment and correction in a storm-wrecked world showcases his vision as a “vishwa leader”.
