China and Pakistan Conduct Joint Naval Drills Following Historic Russia-Myanmar Maritime Exercise

In the Arabian Sea, the Chinese and Pakistani navies have commenced a weeklong joint exercise, incorporating anti-submarine operations and marking the first-ever joint maritime patrols between the two nations.

This collaboration comes shortly after the Russian Pacific Fleet and Myanmar conducted their inaugural maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea from 7 November to 9 November, emphasising Russia's growing naval presence in a region of strategic importance to the United States.

Russian anti-submarine ships, Admiral Tributs and Admiral Panteleyev, engaged in exercises with Myanmar's navy, involving a frigate and a corvette, as reported by the Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, amid the strengthening security ties between China and Pakistan and Russia and Myanmar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held defense talks in New Delhi on 10 November, expressing deep concern over the conflict in Ukraine but not explicitly mentioning Russia.

The joint statement from the two-plus-two dialogue between the US and Indian governments underscored their commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Notably, the statement avoided direct references to Russia or China, despite earlier expectations that these issues would be focal points. India, carefully maintaining its longstanding ties with Russia in defence cooperation, has simultaneously strengthened its relationship with the United States.

This diplomatic balancing act was evident in the joint statement, reflecting India's nuanced approach to international partnerships.

The timing of these discussions is significant, preceding a much-anticipated meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, where efforts to re-establish military-to-military ties are anticipated.

The complex geopolitical landscape underscores the delicate manoeuvring required by nations to safeguard their interests while maintaining diplomatic relationships in an evolving global context.