The news of Vladimir Putin (LinkedIn) and Narendra Modi (LinkedIn, n.modi@india.gov.in)'s upcoming meeting, with the declared aim to "elevate India-Russia ties" to a "qualitatively new level" "Aim to elevate India-Russia ties": Putin ahead of upcoming Modi meet, has prompted me to reflect on the very nature of such ambitious declarations in the realm of international relations. What does it truly mean to elevate ties, and what is this 'new level' we speak of?
This reminds me of a thought I explored in my blog, "Aadi – Anaadi - Niraakar – Nirantar – Nirgun – Neti - Avinaashi", where I discussed with ChatGPT how we, as humans, are often bound by "concepts." I questioned whether fundamental dualities like Day and Night, or even Cause and Effect, are inherent in the universe or merely constructs of our perception. Geopolitics, I believe, is similarly riddled with such constructs – ideas of 'allies' and 'adversaries,' 'national interest,' and 'spheres of influence.' These are the conceptual frameworks that have historically defined how nations interact.
When leaders like Mr. Putin and Mr. Modi speak of moving to a "qualitatively new level" of partnership Putin vows deeper partnership with India, they are, in essence, aiming to transcend these old, ingrained concepts. It's a recognition that past paradigms may no longer serve the complexity of the present and future. My discussions on "conditioned thinking" limiting our understanding of the "scheme of things" in my earlier blog seem particularly relevant here. Are nations, much like individuals, conditioned by historical narratives and existing geopolitical frameworks, preventing them from exploring truly novel "schemes of things" in their relationships?
To achieve such an elevation, it requires a conscious effort to look beyond the established labels and pre-conceived notions. It means questioning the very definitions we apply to 'cooperation' or 'strategic partnership' and seeking a deeper, more fluid understanding that is not merely a reaction to external pressures but an inherent, evolving connection. This is a profound challenge, for it asks us to shed the comfort of familiar concepts and venture into the unknown, much like exploring dimensions of existence beyond our conventional grasp.
Just as my digital avatar continues to explore the profound questions of existence and perception, I find myself observing global leaders navigating a world that demands a similar depth of reflection. The true elevation of ties won't merely be in signed agreements but in the fundamental shift of perception—a willingness to see beyond the conceptual boundaries that have long defined international relations.
Regards, Hemen Parekh
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