Kazan, 29th October 2024: In the wake of a long-awaited bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE foreign policy analyst Hassan Sajwani remarked, “Five years passed without a meeting, and now here they are at BRICS.” He highlighted that the summit is emerging as a platform for resolving conflicts, fostering trust, and enhancing trade relations.
The recent visuals of Modi and Xi shaking hands at the BRICS summit in Russia, coinciding with the announcement of military de-escalation in eastern Ladakh, underscore India’s adept utilization of this multilateral forum.
Interestingly, India stands out as the most pro-Western nation within BRICS, which began as a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later incorporating South Africa in 2010. This year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined the group.
India’s involvement in BRICS reflects a complex geopolitical balancing act, as it leverages the presence of traditionally anti-Western powers like Russia and China to advance its own economic and diplomatic interests. This balancing act is evident in Modi’s handshake with Xi, signalling a willingness to foster cooperation despite underlying tensions.
Experts like Michael Kugelman have noted the irony that India, often seen as the most Western-aligned BRICS member, is also among its largest beneficiaries. The organization, initially conceived as a counterweight to the G7, has expanded India’s diplomatic reach beyond mere economic collaboration.
The Kazan BRICS summit illustrated how the bloc has evolved into a platform addressing a spectrum of issues, including conflict resolution, technological cooperation, and calls for reform within the United Nations, as well as efforts to mend India-China relations. Sky News Arabia journalist Nancy Tabet emphasized, “BRICS is proving to be more than just an economic alliance; it’s evolving into a diplomatic platform fostering trust.”
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, BRICS is facilitating dialogue and cooperation between India and China. Before the summit, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced an agreement for both nations to resume border patrols and revert to conditions before the 2020 Galwan clash. Meanwhile, China acknowledged that both countries reached resolutions on pertinent issues.
The Modi-Xi meeting at the Kazan summit was a notable highlight, reinforcing the significance of diplomatic engagement even amid rivalry. Erik Solheim, a diplomat from Oslo, noted that the agreement on border control and the successful discussions between Modi and Xi were key outcomes of this year’s summit.
India’s conciliatory approach towards China reflects a broader willingness to collaborate on mutual interests, despite existing disagreements. Within BRICS, India aims to strike a balance in its relationships with both Western and non-Western nations, positioning itself as a leader of the Global South.
While India maintains robust ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad alliance, its participation in BRICS allows for greater flexibility in foreign policy. Kugelman noted that this engagement helps India balance its relationships in an era where ties with Western allies have strengthened significantly.
Additionally, India’s continued purchase of Russian ‘Ural oil’ has drawn no repercussions from the U.S., which has confirmed it will not sanction India for acquiring and refining Russian oil. Modi’s presence at the BRICS summit underscores India’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Moscow, rooted in historical defence and energy cooperation.
India’s influence within BRICS extends beyond mere economic or diplomatic leverage; it shapes the bloc’s ideological and strategic direction. Foreign Minister Jaishankar has acknowledged BRICS as a representation of the changing global order, stating, “BRICS itself signifies the profound transformation of the old order.”
India’s engagement with BRICS allows it to collaborate with both allies and rivals while demonstrating its commitment to multilateralism and a democratic global economy. The recent addition of countries like Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran reflects India’s intent to foster a more democratic BRICS, as these nations maintain positive relationships with India.
India was Egypt’s fifth-largest trading partner as of December 2022, while its ties with Ethiopia are crucial for strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. A defence agreement aimed at military training for Ethiopia is nearing completion, further solidifying this relationship. India’s rapport with the UAE is well-known, enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
Turkey’s proposed membership in BRICS, reportedly blocked by India, indicates India’s inclination to collaborate with like-minded nations, although Turkey has refuted claims of opposition to its entry.
Under Modi’s vision of India as the ‘Vishwa Guru’ and a leader of the Global South, the nation actively promotes a more equitable global order at BRICS. Jaishankar emphasized that BRICS can significantly impact the Global South by expanding independent platforms and minimizing reliance on potentially manipulative influences.
Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim observed the emergence of BRICS as the voice of the Global South, noting its potential to influence global discourse. As India continues to navigate complex geopolitical relationships through platforms like BRICS, it aims to solidify its role as a significant global player.
In summary, India’s participation in BRICS represents a comprehensive strategy that transcends economic collaboration. By utilizing the bloc to engage with China, balance Western relations, and assert its leadership within the Global South, India is uniquely positioned to maximize the benefits of BRICS. As the global landscape evolves, India’s ability to navigate these dynamics will be pivotal in defining its role on the international stage.