Ruchita Beri replies: China’s foot print in Africa has increased considerably in recent years. China launched the Forum for China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000. It is well known that the Chinese Foreign Minister begins each calendar year with regular visits to the African continent. Along with the political engagement, China’s economic engagement with the region has increased. China is currently Africa’s largest trading partner, with the two way trade valued at $254 billion in 2021.

Deepika Saraswat replies: The China-mediated agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia on restoring their diplomatic ties after seven years has been welcomed by New Delhi. Given these two countries are key actors in the region which India considers part of its extended neighbourhood, any calming of tensions or rapprochement between them is seen as furthering regional peace and stability.

Rajorshi Roy replies: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has emerged as a prominent Eurasian organisation in the last few years. Today, it has expanded in geographical reach, scope and importance. Along with its eight full members as well as dialogue and observer partners, SCO today straddles Central, South, West and North Asia. This makes it one of the world’s largest pan-regional organisations. SCO’s growing heft is reflected in it contributing 30 per cent of the global GDP and 40 percent of the world’s population.

Md. Muddassir Quamar replies: The I2U2 is a mini-lateral initiative among India, Israel, the United States (US) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the stated objective of “expanding economic and political cooperation in the Middle East and Asia, including through trade, combating climate change, energy cooperation, and increasing maritime security.”