South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)
Context:
South-South and Triangular Cooperation is a framework in international relations that expresses solidarity among the peoples and countries of the South.
This approach is seen as a cost-effective modality for sharing knowledge and experience especially in the post-pandemic idea to "build back better."
About
South-South Cooperation (SSC):
Itis a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the Global South across political, economic, social, environmental, and technical domains.
Under this the developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise, and resources to meet their development goals.
It is guided by principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs, and mutual benefit.
The framework traces its origins to the Bandung Conference in 1955, the Non-Aligned Movement (1961), and the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) adopted in 1978.
Triangular Cooperation (TrC):
It involves a partnership where a traditional donor country or a multilateral organization supports South-South initiatives by providing funding, training, management, technological systems, or other forms of support.
India's
Engagement:
India's recent high-level meetings with various non-western groupings like BRICS, IBSA, and the L-69 are a reflection of its active engagement with the Global South.
This engagement lies at the heart of South-South Cooperation.
ZAPAD Military Exercise 2025
Context
:
The ZAPAD-2025 is a military exercise that is a significant strategic engagement as it is a theatre-level exercise of the Russian armed forces.
India's participation is noteworthy as it involves cooperation on anti-terrorist operations with several other nations.
The exercise also holds geopolitical importance given that regional powers like China and Pakistan are participating as observers.
ZAPAD-2025 multilateral joint military exercise
:
Started in 1999, ZAPAD exercises are held every four years.
The exercise aimed to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and provide a platform for participating armies to share tactics and procedures in conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
ZAPAD-2025 is a 13-day military exercise between Russia and Belarus and is hosted by Russia in Nizhny.
Geopolitical Significance: It sends a strategic message to NATO about Russia’s Readiness.
Participants and Observers:
Nine countries are participating in the exercise that include Russia, India, Belarus, Mongolia, and Serbia.
Seven other countries like China and Pakistan will be present as observers.