In view of the emergence of China as a superpower, the Indo-Pacific region has turned into a theatre of conflicting interests (Editorial page, “Steaming back into the Indo-Pacific,” Sept. 5). The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between U.S., Japan, India and Australia has not made any progress towards the stated objective of securing the Indo-Pacific. Though it created a lot of enthusiasm in the beginning, it has not been pursued by its members with the required energy. Hence, it would be in the interest of India if Russia plays a bigger role in the region. Russia has been a time-tested friend of India and continues to be its largest defence partner. If this relationship expands into a strategic partnership, it would help secure India’s interests and will infuse the required dynamism and balance in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will help sow the seeds for such a partnership.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
