Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | The year ahead | What do Russia-China and Saudi-Iran deals mean for India?

In this episode of Worldview, we discuss Russia, China bolstering ties, and Saudi -Iran deal. Will India’s tightrope walk through these developments gets tougher ahead of a number of crucial meetings like the G20?

As Russia-China bolster ties further, Saudi Arabia and Iran strike a deal, and the US calls for a rival front of democracies. India’s tightrope walk through these developments gets tougher ahead of a number of crucial meetings- G7 G20 SCO and Quad.

If India thought the year would be about reconciling global differences through the G20 process, and hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2023, then the first few months have given the government much to think about. Just in March, so much has happened- ever since the G-20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting and the failed attempts at joint statements that we covered here.

1. Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement – In a surprise announcement, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they would re-establish full diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies in each other’s countires after talks mediated in Beijing. The message that went out:

- West Asian politics, long run on the perennial Shia-Sunni rivalry could be upended

- End to hostilities in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraw and other proxy conflicts

- Decline of western influence, boost to Chinese influence

2. ICC names Putin war criminal- the International Criminal Court convicted Russian President Putin in a number of alleged kindappings of children in Ukraine who were taken to Russia. Neither Russia, China, US or India are signatories to the ICC, so this may not make a difference, but it could impact Putin’s future travel.