An Overview of the International and Regional Situation

Though India, China and Russia are not seeking to create an alliance, the very fact that these three large neighbouring countries, each a major global actor in its own right, sit together to share views, is a significant contribution to making international relations more just and democratic. The recent improvement in India-China relations has further strengthened the triangle. All three countries are well placed to play greater roles in a world where the importance of ‘knowledge power’ is rising. The US continues to be the sole super power and all three countries must have good relations with it. But, hopefully, the experience in Iraq will make it more respectful of the world's public opinion. All of us—including the majority of Muslims—have to work together not only to isolate the extremists but also to address the legitimate grievances that are exploited by them to gain more adherents. The three countries need to cooperate in the reform of the UN system. India-Pakistan relations continue to improve. But the path ahead is still full of difficult obstacles. There are also disturbing reports about the linkage between certain elements in Pakistan and Bangladesh promoting Islamic extremism in the region. Central Asia is an important neighbouring region of our three countries, because of its strategic location and vast oil and gas reserves. Unfortunately, religious extremism, bad governance and external interference are threatening to produce an explosive mixture.