By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury

Copyright indiatimes

D Bala Venkatesh Varma

India’s former envoy to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma has affirmed that Quest for multipolarity has been an ever-present in Indian foreign policy and in this regard referred to India’s acquisition of MiG-21 supersonic fighter jets from the Soviet Union in early 1960s when others did not come forward to support India’s quest to acquire such jets.Varma, also a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) was speaking at Russia’s premier think tank Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Monday.The geopolitical dimensions of multipolarity, however, are not without challenges, Varma said and added that the Ukraine conflict has had repercussions that extend well beyond the battlefield.Varma referred to burden on countries like India, which is facing a 25% tariff from the US for purchasing Russian oil, while others such as China remain unaffected by similar tariffs. “This exposes clear double standards at play.”On the effectiveness of multipolarity, Varma noted “If China believes and acts in the larger global good, to use its power and influence to share benefits rather than seek dominance – unlike the hegemonic approach taken by Western powers in the past two centuries – then that is one way to go,” he said. However, he warned that if any resurgent power resorts to hegemony, India will resist. “And I am sure that will be the case for Russia as well,” he added.Live EventsLater speaking on the sidelines of the event Varma pointed out that India will use its BRICS presidency in 2026 to promote global stability and address key issues concerning the Global South, D.B. Venkatesh Varma, the former ambassador to Russia.“We are clear that we will use this [BRICS presidency] to promote stability in the international system, more peace… increase energy and food security, development prospects for the Global South and the youth,” he said.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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