Samarkand: a miniature of an emerging world

Source– The post is based on the article “Samarkand: a miniature of an emerging world ” published in The Hindu on 27th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- International Relations

Relevance– About Emerging world order

News– The article explains the current global situation. It also tells about the new developments at the SCO summit in Samarkand and its implications for future world order.

What is the current global situation?

Russia is on the back foot because of the Ukraine war.

China cannot take position against Russia because of the Taiwan issue. It had to strike a deal with Russia on Taiwan in return for supporting Russia in the Ukraine war.

The USA wants closer relations with democracies. A counter coalition against QUAD (Red QUAD) may emerge in Indo-pacific.

What is the stand of India against its adversaries?

Given the present situation, it is a possibility that Russia would be a part of its opposing party.

Therefore, India told Russia to end the Ukraine war. PM Modi said that democracy and diplomacy should be the way forward. India spoke about the looming oil crisis and disrupted supply chain due to war. Putin said that he understood India’s concern and promised to end the conflict. He blamed Ukraine for the continuation of war.

However, India has not been much vocal against China. India should have engaged with China which occupied territories across LAC. But India was silent.

India would have pulled Pakistan over cross border terrorism. India only demanded transit and trade access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The Pakistan PM claimed that he discussed the Kashmir issue with China and received assurance of support. But China was silent.

China and Russia  welcomed India’s Chairmanship of the SCO and extended their support. It was nothing but a formality.

By questioning Russia on the continuation of the war, which positioned India on the right side of history in a world order divided between democracies and autocracies.

India made this clear at the SCO summit that it cannot be with China or Russia in the new dispensation.

What are the indications of developments at the Samarkand summit?

Samarkand summit shows the world order that may emerge in the future.

The Quad may be the forum that will enable India to protect its interests in the Indo-Pacific.

China-Russia-Iran-Pakistan axis will dominate SCO.

Ripple effects of the SCO summit were evident in the present UNGA session. Both Russia and USA supported the expansion of UNSC. Russia supported India membership of UNSC.