Quad Ministerial Meeting
On Thursday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the 3rd India-Australia Japan-United States (US) Quad Ministerial Meeting. The discussion was attended by his counterparts from other members of the grouping: Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to a release by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders spoke of their commitment towards “political democracies, market economies, and pluralistic societies.” In addition, they spoke of the respect for “territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes.” Further, they said that receding commitment to these values made a “strong case” for their continued collaboration. They made a specific reference to Myanmar and called for the authorities in the country to retain their commitment to rule of law and democracy.
The leaders highlighted the dangers being faced in the Indo-Pacific, indirectly referring to China’s growing aggression in the region. They applauded the support granted by the ASEAN grouping, along with several European countries who are actively supporting the Quad’s vision of a “free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.” In pursuance of this, they exchanged opinions and agreed to enhance coordination on issues such as maritime security and counterterrorism.
Further, they spoke on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, specifically highlighting the global inoculation programs and the challenges faced by it. In this context, they vowed to join hands to meet the global demand for vaccines. The grouping also recognised and applauded India’s humanitarian approach to vaccine production and supply.
Brunei
On the same day, Indian External Minister S. Jaishankar also held a virtual discussion with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Brunei, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof. This discussion was held to conduct an extensive review of the bilateral relations between the two countries and was a follow-up to the 7th Round of Foreign Office Consultations that was held in New Delhi in June 2019.
The pair discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral and international importance. To begin with, Jaishankar extended his support to Brunei’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2021. Further, he celebrated the support given by the government of Brunei to India’s space programme, its “candidatures to various international bodies,” and its efforts to countering terrorism. Meanwhile, Haji Erywan expressed his gratitude to the Indian side for “supporting [the] repatriation of Brunei nationals as well as for excellent human resource development cooperation.”
As a result of the discussion, the two leaders agreed to enhance bilateral coordination on several issues, including “agriculture, food processing, [Information and Communications Technology], [Information Technology Enabled Services], e-governance, [Science and Technology], education, automotive, energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, construction, textiles and garments, jewellery, leather goods, and tourism.” In pursuance of this, they vowed to expedite the conclusion of Memorandums of Understanding.
Russia
On February 17, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived in Moscow for his two-day visit to Russia. He was invited by the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Morgulov to conduct the next round of the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed “the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the forthcoming high-level exchanges.” They also agreed on a roadmap for the Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries.
On the first day of his visit, on behalf of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Shringla invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India. In response, Lavrov accepted the invitation and vowed to pay a visit to India “at an early date.”
Shringla also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to exchange “topical issues of regional and international importance.” The primary focus of the discussion was on “disarmament and non-proliferation matters.” Shringla also briefed the Russian leader about India’s commitments at the BRICS during its chairmanship in 2021. Following the meeting, the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted saying that the discussion had been “productive”.
Further, he visited the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver a speech on “India-Russia Relations.” At the Academy, he met with several Russian academics and representatives of Russian think-tanks to discuss relevant issues of global importance. During this discussion, he celebrated the bilateral friendship between India and Russia, specifically in the “fast-changing geopolitical landscape.” Moreover, he called for greater interaction and collaboration between Indian and Russian think-tanks and analysts.
A statement published by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the visit for “further strengthening the close, strategic, special, and privileged partnership between India and Russia.” It also spoke of Russia’s willingness to “invest in India under the ‘Atmanirbhar’ programme.” According to the release, the two sides also decided to cooperate through multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the BRICS.
This visit came just a day after Russia and India held Foreign Office Consultations on issues relating to the United Nations Security Council. At the meeting, Peter Ilichev, the Director of the Department of International Organisations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, represented Russia. Meanwhile, the Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UNP & Summits).
During the discussion, the Russian and Indian sides applauded their “bilateral contacts” on several United Nations related issues, including the need to bring in reforms to the United Nations Security Council. They further agreed to work together during India’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council in furtherance of their “special and privileged strategic partnership.” In addition, they spoke of their commitment to work towards countering terrorism at multiple multilateral fora.
Oman
On the same day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. During this conversation, the Arab leader expressed his gratitude to the Indian side for supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Oman. In light of this, they agreed to enhance cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, along with other issues including defence, trade, and investment.
Cyprus
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a virtual discussion with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday. During the discussion, they reviewed several issues of bilateral importance and agreed to further their historical friendship and collaborate several international issues. The two leaders spoke of the need to further enhance India’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and agreed to further this vision at the upcoming India-EU leaders’ summit. Furthermore, Christodoulides informed Jaishankar of Cyprus’s decision to join the India-led International Solar Alliance.
Japan
On Monday, Indian External Affairs Minister joined Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki in visiting a water supply project in Guwahati which has been funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. At the event, which was on the theme of “India’s Act East Policy” and “India-Japan Cooperation”, Jaishankar briefed Suzuki about the progress of the project and highlighted the importance of the Indian state Assam in acting as a “bridge” between India and its allies in the East.
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar applauded India’s multifaceted relationship with Japan, emphasising on the importance of such bilateral friendships in furthering national growth and development. He added, “While expanding cooperation in South East Asia, East Asia, and North Asia in different dimensions, the Modi government actually took this initiative to a much higher level. It includes numerous connectivity projects and activities as well as economic flows and strategic cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Suzuki spoke about the importance of developing the North East to further India’s vision of achieving a 5 trillion-dollar economy. For this, he offered the Japanese side complete support. He said, “Japan always takes a panoramic perspective in its diplomacy. The vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific is at its centre; and India’s North East, including Assam, occupied an important place in this vision.”
Two days following this discussion, India and Japan convened for the 9th Round of the India-Japan Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control. During the virtual discussion, they discussed several issues of mutual interest, including topics such as “nuclear, chemical, biological disarmament and non-proliferation, conventional weapons, outer space security and export control.” They discussed the need to further their “mutual understanding and appreciation” on these issues, which they said formed a crucial element of the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership.
Indian Diplomacy: Weekly Round-Up (13-19 February, 2021)
This week, Indian authorities convened several meetings with officials from Russia, Japan, and Brunei, amongst others.
February 19, 2021
SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES