Central Idea

• China’s mediation efforts have resulted in the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy.

What is Mediation?

• Mediation is a deliberate attempt to reconcile differences between two parties, and it plays a significant role in international relations. In this op-ed, we will discuss China’s recent mediation efforts that led to the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Background

• Conflicts in GCC: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been facing several tensions and conflicts since 2016, mainly related to Yemen and Syria. However, bilateral efforts have been underway since early 2016 to ease these tensions.
• Bilateral efforts: Talks were held in Baghdad and during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to China in February 2023. The Emir of Kuwait and the Sultan of Oman initiated steps that were responded to by Iran. All concerned were worried about the attacks on shipping and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates.

China’s Mediation Efforts

• Resumption of diplomatic relations: In a joint statement on March 10, 2023, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China announced that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran covering a resumption of diplomatic relations between them and a re-opening of their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months.
• Terms of the agreement: The agreement affirmed their respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and said the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries shall meet to implement this, arrange for the return of their Ambassadors, and discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations.
• For instance; One agreement and seven achievements: Iranian National Security Adviser Ali Shamkhani lent credibility to the accord. A commentary in an Iranian newspaper on March 11 depicted the event as ‘One agreement and seven achievements’; it listed the latter as

1. Tehran’s willingness to engage in dialogue;
2. Failure of the U.S.’s effort to isolate Iran;
3. Strengthening of the alliance of Islamic Countries;
4. Failure of Israeli efforts against this agreement;
5. Failure of U.S. effort to show the Iranian public that it has no choice but to agree to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with America;
6. Beijing’s successful entry in West Asian relations, and
7. Failure of dreams of regime change.

American and Israeli Reactions

• US; Change in terms of reference in international diplomacy For US:S. reactions, apart from unconcealed surprise, reflected the change in terms of reference in international diplomacy.
• Israel; a fatal blow to a regional coalition against Iran: Equally surprised was Israel, the other major player in the region, which saw it as a fatal blow to the effort to build a regional coalition against Iran.

The Indian stand

• India’s reaction to this development has been restrained: Apart from historical linkages, the region is in India’s proximate neighbourhood and within its security parameters.
• Trade a priority: It is the principal source of hydrocarbon imports, and increasingly of investments. It is also an important destination for manpower exports apart from being a major trading partner including projects.
• Policy of avoiding interference in bilateral and regional disputes: The official policy has focused on bilateral relations and avoidance of involvement in bilateral and regional disputes.
• Refrained from speculative ventures: Given these priorities, India has consciously refrained from speculative ventures in alternate security architectures apart from supporting cooperative security and freedom of waterways and of navigation.

Conclusion

• China’s mediation efforts have played a significant role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table. This development is significant in terms of regional stability and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy. India’s response to this development has been restrained, focusing on bilateral relations and avoiding involvement in regional disputes. The region should not be viewed in competition with China, and India should not consider itself a surrogate for those who have been outplayed in power games.

Mains Question

Q. Analyze the significance of China’s mediation efforts in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran to the negotiating table and its impact on international diplomacy. Evaluate India’s response to this development.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now