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Why the US recognises Russia as a key player in the Afghan peace process
The US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad during an interview. PHOTO: REUTERS
Why the US recognises Russia as a key player in the Afghan peace process
America’s tacit recognition of Russia’s new role in the Afghan peace process is akin to a diplomatic coup
US Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will attend Thursday’s Afghan peace talks in Moscow in the strongest sign yet of American support for Russia’s key role in this process. His Russian counterpart Zamir Kabulov earlier proposed the creation of an interim coalition government between Kabul and the Taliban, an idea that was soon thereafter picked up and promoted by Khalilzad. This proves that America is following in Russia’s diplomatic footsteps in Afghanistan, which creates a unique opportunity for these two rival Great Powers to find some common ground between them despite their many differences elsewhere across Eurasia.
Vladimir Putin speaks with Narendra Modi ahead of the start of the Eastern Economic Forum. PHOTO: AFP
Why it’s wrong to claim that Russia tried to side-line India during the Afghan talks
It was always New Delhi’s sovereign decision not to participate in the Moscow negotiations in any official capacity
The Indian Express published a piece on Tuesday headlined “Russia kept India out, US brings Delhi to talks table for Afghan peace plan”. It relies on unnamed diplomatic sources to claim that “Moscow is learnt to have suggested a plan that kept New Delhi out. Sources said that Russian interlocutors amid growing proximity between Moscow and Beijing suggested that Russia, China, US, Pakistan and Iran should be at the table. This, officials said, was apparently done at the behest of Pakistan which has never wanted India to be part of any roadmap for the region.” There’s plenty wrong with that report, which will now be debunked point by point.
Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Vladimir Putin and Imran Khan at the SCO Council. PHOTO: AFP
Why this summer’s Central Asia-South Asia Connectivity Conference will be crucial
The upcoming conference will be crucial for the success of Russia’s Greater Eurasian Partnership
Uzbekistan plans to host a conference this summer titled “Central And South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness. Challenges And Opportunities”, which will play a crucial role in shaping these two neighbouring regions’ futures. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov told the press after talks with his Uzbekistani counterpart last week that “Mr Kamilov kindly invited me to take part in this. We will definitely help you make it a success and make sure it leads to practical results.” It’s unclear at the moment exactly who all is invited to participate in this international event, but it would truly be in everyone’s interests if Pakistan takes part as well.
India’s “energy diplomacy” with Russia will reap strategic dividends
Vladimir Putin embraces Narendra Modi during a session at SPIEF in 2017. PHOTO: AFP
India’s “energy diplomacy” with Russia will reap strategic dividends
It must be cautioned, however, that this scenario would risk complicating India’s recent rapprochement with China
The opening of the “Indian Energy Centre” in Moscow on Tuesday will reap strategic dividends for both sides. One of the world’s largest energy importers is showing its keen interest in expanding cooperation with one of the world’s largest energy exporters. It’s a perfect match between natural partners, but there’s more to it than just business. This development represents the long-overdue decision by New Delhi to more eagerly engage in “energy diplomacy” with Moscow, which will assist the recalibration of both of their delicate “balancing” acts between Great Powers, especially China. India simultaneously wants to re