INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2022 - Vol 2, Issue 14
WORLD THIS WEEK
WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
Compiled by D. Suba Chandran, Ashwin Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj
The US-Russia talks on Ukraine: “Useful, honest, direct and business-like”
The New York Times
What happened? On 21 January, Antony Blinken (the US Secretary of State) and Sergey Lavrov (the Russian Foreign Minister) met in Geneva. The discussions focussed on the following: tensions over Ukraine relating to the threat of war, Russian troops along the Ukraine border, the West's military presence in Eastern Europe, and a written response to Russia's demands. Blinken and Lavrov were quoted to have stated that the talks were "direct, business-like" and "useful, honest discussion", respectively. Blinken, in an interview, immediately after the talks, stated: "We didn't expect any breakthroughs to happen today. But I believe we are now on a clearer path in terms of understanding each other's concerns." On the same day, in the introductory remarks to the meeting, Lavrov said: "What we expect is concrete answers to our concrete proposals in the vein and in compliance with the obligations that were adopted at the highest level within the OSCE. I'm referring particularly to the principle of indivisibility of security, as well as the obligation of countries not to strengthen their own security at the expense of the security of others. We would be very much interested to listen to how the US interprets these obligations and these principles." Blinken said: "I come from consulting with allies and partners, as well as from Ukraine itself. That too is part of an ongoing effort to work closely, coordinate with, consult with all of our allies and partners who share our deep concerns about the moment we're in. We are – all of us – equally committed to the path of diplomacy and dialogue to try to resolve our differences." On the same day, immediately after the meeting, in an interview, Blinken shared the following with the media on what he conveyed to Russia: The discussion today with Minister Lavrov was frank and substantive. I conveyed the position of the United States and our European allies and partners that we stand firmly with Ukraine
www.indianews.com.au
in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We've been clear that if any Russian military forces move across Ukraine's border, that's a renewed invasion. It will be met with swift, severe, and a united response from the United States and our partners and allies." In his interview, Blinken also made a point on how the West looks at the Russian strategy: "We also know from experience that Russia has an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks, paramilitary tactics, and other means of advancing their interests aggressively without overtly using military action. Those types of Russian aggression will also be met with a decisive, calibrated, and again, united response." About the talks, Lavrov said: "I can't say whether we are on the right path or not. We will see when we get the American responses." On 22 January, the Russian news agency TASS referred to a foreign ministry note, quoted: "It was made clear to Antony Blinken that further ignoring Russia's legal concerns, first of all, those linked with the United States' and its NATO allies' advance in Ukraine amid the large-scale deployment of the alliance's forces and weapons near our border, will have the most serious consequences. It can be avoided if Washington positively responds to our draft agreements on security guarantees. We expect to receive the American side's written article-by-article response next week." What does it mean? First, the crisis over Ukraine has been postponed but not resolved. Both Blinken and Lavrov have agreed to continue the diplomatic approach towards Ukraine; if there is a success, they have also agreed to explore another summit-level meeting at the highest level between Biden and Putin. Second, the meeting points between the US and Russia. Outside Ukraine, there are a few other issues, including arms control and Nord Stream, where Washington and Moscow have differences. Ukraine is not the only issue in Europe between the US and Russia. Third, while the White House would want to maintain the status quo in Europe, the Kremlin sees an opportunity to reassert its sphere of influence, especially in Eastern Europe, and prevent any further expansion of the EU and NATO. Fourth, Putin is willing to take risks, whereas Biden wants to avoid them. Putin is engaged in salami slicing. Biden wants to create a larger template. Ukraine explains the asymmetry between the two.
ALSO IN NEWS
Kentucky New Era
USD 30 billion. Afghanistan: The EU reopens its embassy in Kabul Japan and the US: Tokyo and Washington discuss China's growing military assertiveness On 21 January, US President Joe Biden met with the Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida virtually to discuss China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific. They also discussed the crackdowns on democracy in Hong Kong and the forced labor practices in Xinjiang. Furthermore, Kishida expressed his concerns about China's intentions in the South China Sea as it had stepped up its military presence in the region. In addition, the Senkaku islands or the Diaoyu islands have continued to remain a bone of contention between the two countries. Kishida said: "President Biden and I were able to exchange views frankl which I believe will lead to further strengthening of the Japan-US alliance." Tonga: Supply planes land a week after the volcanic eruption On 20 January, the first foreign aid supply planes landed in Tonga, carrying essential supplies. The military planes from New Zealand could arrive only after the ash was cleared from the runway. Australian supply planes also landed after a few hours. Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton tweeted about it, saying: "Tonga is a very important member of our Pacific family and we have committed to supporting them however we can." Indonesia: New capital approved by the House
On 18 January, Indonesia's House of Representatives approved the legal framework for relocating the Indonesian capital to Nusantara, a Javanese word for 'archipelago'. Jakarta has been reeling with overpopulation pollution and is one of the world's fastest-sinking cities. Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa, on the approval of the bill, stated: "The new capital has a central function and is a symbol of the identity of the nation, as well as a new centre of economic gravity." The relocation is scheduled between 2022 and 2024, with an approximate cost of
facebook.com/indianewsaustralia
On 21 January, the EU resumed its embassy and limited services in Kabul to emphasize a "minimal presence" for smoother movement of humanitarian aid. The EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson made a statement: "Our minimal presence in Kabul must not in any way be seen as recognition of the Taliban government there." The primary objective is to make it easier for the international European delegation staff to monitor the deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
the attacks under "Threats to International Peace and Security". They also stressed the need to hold "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable". France: Macron suggests Normandy format talks to deal with the Ukraine crisis Foreign Policy
The Maldives: Indian teachers face the heat of the "India Out" campaigns On 19 January, reports highlighted the harassment faced by Indian origin teachers in the Maldives due to the intensified "India Out" protests. The Education Ministry of Maldives confirmed two cases of teachers facing harassment on the streets by anti-India groups. However, the Maldivian government reassured India, saying: "India has always been the Maldives' closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts." The government also said it would take decisive action against spreading false information regarding India out protests on social media. UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi On 21 January, the UAE envoy to the UNSC appreciated the Council's condemnation of the terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi. In addition, the Council held the Houthi militia in Yemen accountable for its crimes and called for measures to prevent future attacks by the militia. The 15 council members released a joint statement saying: "The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, 17 January, as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia." The Council discussed
On 19 January, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that the EU open its talks with Russia rather than relying on the US. Macron currently holds the Presidency of the EU and hopes to revitalize the four-way talks through the Normandy format between Russia, Germany, France, and Ukraine. Macron said: "I think our credibility vis-a-vis Russia lies primarily in entering into demanding dialogue." The UK: Lawmakers challenge Boris Johnson to resign over lockdown parties On 19 January, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received challenges to resign from lawmakers over allegations regarding the lockdown parties. He won the office with a massive majority in 2019, but his recent scandals and accusations led to questioning his authority. Johnson tried to defend his case by citing various reasons, but the opponents have called for him to resign. The 54 Members of the Parliament will have to submit a no-confidence vote to the Chairman of the party's committee to bring about a challenge to leadership. It is speculated that about 20 conservative lawmakers have planned to submit a noconfidence vote, among others.
UAE: UNSC council condemns terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi
28
