BUILDING A NEW EURASIAN ARCHITECTURE: RUSSIA, INDIA, AND THE FUTURE OF MULTILATERALISM

In a world marked by shifting power centres and competing visions of global order, Russia continues to advocate for a "new Eurasian architecture of cooperation" under frameworks like the SCO and BRICS.

- Talha Kibriya

Prof. (Dr.) Oleg G. Karpovich, Vice-Rector and Director of the Institute for Contemporary International Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in this interview with Diplomatist, offers sharp insights into Russia's evolving priorities-from payment system convergence and energy trade with India, to Eurasian connectivity, sanctions, and the future of diplomacy in an age of technology and information warfare. His perspectives illuminate how Moscow views its partnership with India and its place within the wider Global South.

Prof (Dr.) Oleg G.Karpovich

Vice-Rector, Director, Institute for Contemporary International Studies of Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

The 25th SCO Heads of State Council met in Tianjin recently. Beyond security wording, what concrete next steps do you see on the SCO's long-discussed “independent settlement/clearing mechanism” and convergence of payment systems—and how might Russia prioritise pilots with India inside SCO formats?

I believe that movement toward the convergence of payment systems and creation on the new mechanisms shall be organized in mutual way as part of our common intergovernmental efforts in this direction. We may probably consider creation and development of the new SCO division responsible for these issues. But we must move carefully, remembering that the SCO is quite a huge organization that includes very different countries — some may need more time to adjust to such measures, and we have to avoid any discrimination and unnecessary rush. In this regard I think we certainly may prioritize pilots with India by discussing possible ways forward through our bilateral channels.