In a recent podcast, Dr. Qamar Cheema discussed India’s approach towards Pakistan and China, particularly regarding their exclusion from the Global South Summit. He criticized India’s deliberate decision to not invite Pakistan and China, questioning the motives behind this exclusion. Dr. Cheema reflected on India’s intentions, suggesting that India might be trying to create a world order aligned with its own interests, possibly sidelining countries like Pakistan and China in the process.
Key Points:
- India deliberately excluded Pakistan and China from the Global South Summit, indicating a shift in global power dynamics where India is asserting its influence by sidelining these two countries.
- India seems to be creating a world order based on its own strategic preferences, aiming to engage with countries like Oman, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Mauritius while ignoring or marginalizing Pakistan and China.
- India’s decision to not invite China and Pakistan to the Global South Summit reflects a broader strategy of selective diplomacy, where India strengthens ties with certain countries while excluding others to shape international affairs in its favor.
- India’s focus on the Global South and its exclusion of Pakistan and China may lead to increased geopolitical tensions, as these actions can create divisions within global or regional blocs and spark rivalry among nations.
- India is advocating for reforms in global governance, particularly in the United Nations Security Council, while excluding countries like Pakistan and China from these discussions, which raises concerns about fair representation and influence in the Global South.
He elaborated on a press conference held by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, where the issue was raised. According to Dr. Cheema, Jaishankar stated that China was not invited to the summit, which further fueled the speculation that India seeks to carve out a global niche by selectively engaging with countries that align with its vision.
Dr. Cheema raised concerns about India’s broader strategy, wondering whether India aims to establish a world order under its influence by selectively including countries like Oman, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Mauritius. He questioned whether India’s ambitions include restructuring the Global South to suit its geopolitical aspirations, potentially marginalizing Pakistan in the process.
He further pointed out that India might be attempting to represent the Global South without acknowledging the roles of countries like Pakistan. This exclusion, according to Dr. Cheema, reflects India’s desire to mould the global narrative in its favour, often disregarding the significance of other nations.
Dr. Cheema also touched upon the broader implications of India’s actions, particularly regarding United Nations Security Council reforms. He noted that India has long aspired to become a permanent member of the Security Council, and its engagement with smaller countries in the Global South might be a strategy to garner support for this ambition. He observed that despite various global leaders, including former U.S. Presidents Obama, Bush, Trump, and Biden, expressing support for India’s bid, the reality remains complex and contested.
He mentioned Dr. Jaishankar’s comments on energy security, where India is striving to secure affordable energy sources, particularly from Russia, to manage inflation and sustain its economy. Dr. Cheema contrasted this with Pakistan’s struggles, highlighting the difficulties faced by Pakistan in securing energy due to international sanctions and weak leadership.
Dr. Cheema also criticized the double standards in global diplomacy, noting how the U.S. has been lenient towards India regarding military acquisitions like the S-400 missile system while imposing strict sanctions on other countries like Turkey. He argued that India’s strategic alignment with the U.S. and other global powers gives it an advantage, but also exposes the hypocrisy in international relations.
Furthermore, Dr. Cheema commented on India’s efforts to engage with African nations through the G20, suggesting that India is positioning itself as a leader of the Global South. He acknowledged that India’s initiatives, such as advocating for Africa’s inclusion in global forums like the G20 and the UN Security Council, reflect a broader strategy to expand its influence across the developing world.
Dr. Cheema also expressed concern over the potential division within the Global South, with countries like China potentially organizing their own summits in response to India’s actions. He warned that such divisions could lead to a fragmented global order, where countries are forced to align with either India or China, rather than collaborating as a united front.
He concluded by urging Pakistan and other excluded nations to highlight their issues on international platforms, stressing the importance of collective action in the face of growing geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that India’s rise as a global power should not come at the expense of sidelining other countries, and called for a more inclusive approach to global diplomacy.
