Escalation in India-China tension would further trigger regional instability: Russia

Russia on Thursday said any escalation in border tension between India and China amid global turbulence and unpredictability would furr trigger regional instability in Eurasia, and friction can be misused by or players in ir geo-political purpose.

At an online media briefing, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said Russia is "naturally concerned" over tensions between two Asian powers, ting that it was "very important" for both countries to eng more in "constructive dialogue".

Referring to both India and China being members of SCO and BRICS groupings, Babushkin said respectful dialogue is a main tool when it comes to cooperation in framework of multilateral platforms.

"It is clear that amid global turbulence and unpredictability, escalation between India and China would furr affect regional instability in our common home Eurasia. escalation we are witnessing can be misused by or players in ir geo-political purposes," he said.

"We feel it is very important to encour both our friendly Asian countries to be more engd in constructive dialogue. Recent news about ir commitment to exercise restraint and continue communication through diplomatic and military channels to remove tensions are absolutely welcoming developments," he ded.

India and China are locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Lakh for over six months. Both sides are w working on proposals on disengment of troops from high-altitude region.

Eurasian region has also been witnessing turmoil in last few months primarily due to rising cases of coronavirus and tense relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagor-Karabakh region.

"Russia remains in a unique position since it has special strategic relations with both India and China and se relationships are independent in nature. We are naturally concerned with current tensions between India and China. However, we believe that a peaceful solution is inevitable sooner rar than later," Babushkin said.

"Both are global and responsible neighbouring powers with huge ecomic and defence potential as well as civilisational wisdom," he ded.

When asked wher Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS groups can play a role in defusing tensions between two of ir member nations, Russian diplomat said both groupings have developed mechanisms for positive engments "Certainly respectful dialogue is main tool when it comes to cooperation in framework of SCO and BRICS. Both associations have developed dozens of mechanisms of sector wise cooperation and let me assure you that ir relevant interest is growing," he said.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Asked about growing ties between India and US, Babushkin said Russia does t see any problem in relations, ding New Delhi does t provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments.

"New Delhi is a global power with multi-faceted and wide and diversified national interests and we respect that. India does t provide any reason for doubt when it comes to multilateral and bilateral commitments," he said.

At same time, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission me a veiled reference to "threat" by US to India to t go ahe with mega defence deals.

"We kw that re were attempts to pressure India and use unfair and illegal competition tools such as threats of sanctions and or restrictions," he said.

In October 2018, India h signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of S-400 air defence missile systems, twithstanding a warning from Trump ministration that going ahe with contract may invite US sanctions.

Talking about regional cooperation, Babushkin also mentioned about Russia-India-China trilateral grouping.

"Lets t forget about ar very important trilateral mechanism, RIC, which will be chaired by India next year. We are confident that it is well designed to ensure a positive atmosphere and to expand its practical nda," he said. PTI MPB DV DV