By Advocate Khadim Hussain Chakrani
The SCO summit seems to be a stage of great diplomacy. It is evident that by condemning the Jaffar Express, Khuzdar, and Pahalgam terrorist attacks simultaneously and with equal intensity, it clearly indicates a sign of a global governance system led by Russia and China against the hegemonic unilateral world order.
On the other hand, the Global North is continuously resisting any possibility of this change that could lead to a multilateral world order. For instance, massive support by the USA and Western allies in the Ukraine war against Russia; Israel’s attacks on Iran, killing many scientists and top Iranian leaders; its attack on the Yemeni capital Sanaa, where Prime Minister Nasser al-Rahawi along with several other ministers were killed. Unbridled support by Israel to India during the four-day war between India and Pakistan—these strikes show intent to preserve hegemonic power politics. As per media reports, American naval forces have reached Venezuelan shores to start a new war of attrition. Beside this, there is a constant threat that Israel will strike Iran again. So, all these coercive measures are being taken to counter the global governance system as well as the multipolar world order.
In such a volatile global environment, where do India and Pakistan stand? This discourse delves deeper into addressing this frequently asked question that arises in every individual’s mind. To begin with, despite Russia’s and China’s great efforts to bring India into the RIC (Russia-India-China) framework, the Indian government has successfully kept itself alienated from its regional neighbourhood. However, India’s strategic closeness to the USA under the shadow of QUAD and I2U2 has led India to be called the net security provider of the Indo-Pacific region against the rise of China. Keeping this equation in view, India dreams of its own rise not only in this specific region but also beyond borders in opposition to China. Therefore, when the SCO talks of a multipolar world, India has been advocating for a multipolar Asia where it would be recognized as a superpower of Asia.
It is worth mentioning that due to the egoistic mentality and non-cooperative behaviour of India, it has lost its influence in the region. India’s unilateral stance on major issues, similar to its closest allies—the USA and Israel—reflects this. India’s genocidal policies against the people of occupied Kashmir, its oppressive quashing of dissent in the Seven Sisters, and its persecution of Sikhs are clear indications of such despotic rule in India. India’s softening towards SCO and BRICS is for one reason: it wants China’s and Russia’s support for its 2026 BRICS presidency. It has no interest in regional connectivity and peace. It has refused to enter into dialogue with Pakistan. Hence, the dream of becoming a superpower will remain a pipe dream.
Pakistan has played a pivotal role in balancing relations between the USA and China. Firstly, it has shown its strength in the four-day war with India, demonstrating its capacity to fight and survive—proving that there is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan. Besides this, the Pakistani government has credited the end of the war to former US President Donald Trump. That manoeuvring diplomacy has not only strengthened relations between the USA and Pakistan but also promoted Pakistan’s stance regarding terrorist attacks in the country. Similarly, Pakistan’s Vice Prime Minister, along with the Chinese Prime Minister, visited Kabul, where they ensured regional connectivity and peace. Further, in the recent SCO summit, the Prime Minister of Pakistan announced that “Pakistan wants to build strong relations with Russia, and these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the good and progress and prosperity of the region.”
However, it is significant to mention the very recent tweet by former US President Donald Trump: “Looks like we have lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” This statement by Mr. Donald J Trump reflects the great frustration of USA and its western allies against China Russia led multipolar order. It also gestures the unpredictable move by Trumps administration in the near future.
This situation raises a profound question for foreign policy makers in Pakistan: will the country be able to maintain this equilibrium in the tug of power politics.
