In CricketInFocus News Network’s special program Shaurya Path, this week, issues related to Bangladesh and US relations, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Maldives, Iran-Israel tension and Russia-Ukraine war were discussed with Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd). Here is the detailed interview-
Question-1. A news report quoted Sheikh Hasina as claiming that she was ousted from power because she did not give St. Martin Island to America. Although the veracity of this claim has not been proven, it is said that America has already been eyeing St. Martin Island. We want to know what is the strategic importance of St. Martin Island for America?
Answer- America has already been eyeing St. Martin Island. America knows that both India and China can be monitored from here. He said that America talks about cooperation with India in this area, but its eye on St. Martin Island shows that it wants to come to this region and control India as well. He said that the truth of the claim made in reference to Sheikh Hasina may not have been proven, but everyone knows the fact that America wants to build its military base on St. Martin Island.
Also read: CricketInFocus Exclusive: How did India-Maldives relation improve? How did Modi bring Mohamed Muizzu on the right path?
Question 2. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Maldives was quite successful. How does the tension in the relations between the two countries seem to be disappearing?
Answer- The tension that had arisen in the relations between India and Maldives since last December seems to be reducing to a great extent. He said that initially President Mohammad Muizzu felt that he would achieve all his goals with the support of China. But in these six-seven months, Muizzu has understood that things will not work without the help of India and Indians. He said that Indians have caused great damage to the tourism based economy of Maldives by running the Boycott Maldives campaign. He said that the hotels of Maldives are lying vacant, taxi drivers are standing idle and people associated with the tourism business are also sitting idle, therefore there was pressure on the government there to improve its relations with India.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said that during these months Muizzu has also understood that the help that China is giving is like a huge loan, whereas the help that India is giving is due to its flexible policy towards neighboring countries. He said that this was the reason that when Muizzu was invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government after the elections in India, he came running. He said that apart from this, a minister of Maldives also came to India recently and the forum formed by both the countries to find a solution to all the issues was also recently held in Delhi, after which Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar went to Maldives.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said that relations between India and Maldives are very deep and whenever the government or people of Maldives have needed help, New Delhi has extended full support. He said that although Muizzu was expressing his displeasure with India and was asking India to withdraw its military force and sometimes to do something else, Delhi did everything calmly and waited for the right time. He said that now that Muizzu has understood the matter, the opposition there is also welcoming it. He said that the main opposition party of Maldives, Maldivian Democratic Party, has welcomed the “sudden change” in India policy by the government led by President Mohammad Muizzu and said that Male has always been confident that whenever the country faces a crisis and calls for help, New Delhi will be the first to help.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also made it clear during his visit to Maldives that Maldives is a key partner of India in the Indian Ocean Region and both countries aspire to transform their cooperation into a modern partnership. He said that India lays equal emphasis on effective community development projects in Maldives. He said that India is already participating in 65 projects there. He said that India is aware of the emerging needs and priorities of its Maldivian friends and both the governments strive to provide solutions tailored to their needs.
Question-3. Why is Iran unable to muster the courage to attack Israel even though it wants to? Also, given the aggressive way Israel is increasing attacks on Gaza, have all possibilities of ceasefire diminished?
Answer- Actually Iran is seeing that America has put its security cover on Israel, in such a situation if any attack is made then there are chances of it failing. He said that apart from this, the manner in which America and Israel are jointly warning Iran has shaken Tehran. He said that the terrorist groups being nurtured by Iran also seem to have kept quiet. He said that an American official has warned that if Iran attacks Israel in response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh then it will have to face “catastrophic” consequences. He said that America has made it clear that Iran’s attack will be equivalent to derailing the momentum of Gaza ceasefire.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said that President Joe Biden has also said that there are chances of ceasefire after two days of talks in Qatar, so no one should attack. He said that the tone in which Biden said this was a warning that if any attempt is made to thwart the efforts of America and other mediators, it will have serious consequences. He said that Iran has warned Israel in response to the attack on 31 July in Tehran. But Israel has not yet taken responsibility for the death of the Hamas leader. He said that however, it is also true that the kind of attack that happened in Iran cannot be carried out by Israel alone, both America and Israel can have a hand in it.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said that on the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has also said that if the Islamic Republic attacks Israel, they expect support from other countries in “attacking important targets” inside Iran. He said that Iran knows that if it attacks, America, Israel, France and Britain can respond together. He said that Iran has understood that all preparations have been made to avoid any attack and give a strong retaliation, so it is sitting quiet.
Question 4. Ukrainian soldiers have now entered Russia and are fighting the enemy. How do you view this new turn in the war which has entered its third year?
Answer: The whole world is shocked by the way Ukraine is attacking Russia in its own home. Ukrainian troops have so far entered 35 km (21 miles) into Russia since starting the incursion on August 6. Kiev says it has no interest in occupying Russian land and is creating a buffer zone to protect its border areas from Russia. He said Ukrainian troops are moving at great risk and want to prevent Russia from regaining its foothold. He said Ukraine deployed thousands of troops in the western Russian region of Kursk last week. Ukraine took down Russian flags in the cities seized by its troops and for the first time took the lead over Moscow in the war.
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said Ukraine will use the seized Russian territory as a “buffer zone” to protect its north from Russian attacks. He said Kiev has set up a military commandant’s office in the occupied part of Kursk. He said the occupied area is more than 1,150 sq km. He said Ukraine’s goal in Kursk is also to drive the Russian army out of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass where it has made steady gains.
Also read: Shaurya Path: Discussion with Brigadier Tripathi on issues related to Bangladesh Crisis, Iran-Israel Tension and Russia-Ukraine War
Brigadier Shri DS Tripathi (Retd) said Russia has also said it will enhance border security, improve command and control and send additional forces following the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk. Russia has also warned against the use of Western weapons by Ukraine, he said. The attack is a big blow to President Vladimir Putin and is the biggest attack on Russia since World War II, damaging the reputation of Russian forces. Putin said Russia will respond appropriately to the attack but the first task is to expel all Ukrainian troops from Russian territory, he said.
