Replied by Dr Himani Pant
Moscow has sought to pursue a neutral policy towards both Yerevan and Baku. Despite its military commitments (limited to recognised Armenian territory) and deeper ties with Armenia, Russia shares robust ties with Azerbaijan as well- it sells weapons to both the countries. As the developments leading to the latest ceasefire show, Russia responded in a fairly restrained manner after tensions between these two South Caucasus countries resurfaced last year. Russia’s interests/actions in this context must be differentiated from its interests in the Middle East and as does its influence. The clashes in the Nagarno Karabakh comprise a regional dispute where local forces have a crucial role to play. There is a limited role for Russia to play and the country seems to have consciously followed a restrained approach. This not only reinforces its ‘peacemaker’ image but also averts a confrontation with Turkey- Ankara’s influence has grown substantially in the region owing to its ties with Baku. Seen from this perspective, the deployment of approximately 2000 peacekeeping troops in the region cannot be viewed as Russian plans to “dictate terms according to its own interests”. It must be noted here that the Turkish forces would also be taking part in the peacekeeping operations.