ANALYSIS
PM Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS+ Summit. This was the first meeting between Modi and Xi after the military standoff between both countries in Galwan in 2020 (the previous one being in Mahabalipuram in 2019).
The 16th Summit BRICS+ Summit held in Kazan (Russia) – October 22-24, 2024 – was significant for several reasons.
First, the meeting came at a time when there is a debate about the nature of the current world order and there is a belief that we are moving towards a world order where the ‘western influence’ is reducing (many senior Indian officials and commentators have said that the west has not accepted the changes taking place in global geopolitics). Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the summit said that the “multipolar order” is a reality
Second, the meeting came days after an imminent thaw between China and India, after both sides reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LOC). Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while commenting on the agreement said that it dealt with: “disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020”.
Third, the meeting came at a time when there has been a dramatic dip in ties between India and Canada and some strains -- to a far lesser degree with other countries in the Anglosphere. Many would argue that the thaw with China and India’s renewed focus on BRICS+ is aimed at sending out a message to the west.
Modi’s thrust
During his address at the BRICS+ Summit, PM Modi apart from reiterating the fact that India could play an important role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict referred to the challenge of terrorism, while also speaking about the need for reforms in global institutions including UN Security Council and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS+ Summit. This was the first meeting between Modi and Xi after the military standoff between both countries in Galwan in 2020 (the previous one being in Mahabalipuram in 2019).
Both Modi and Xi referred to the importance of the relationship in the global context. PM Modi said:
“It should be our priority to ensure there is peace and stability along our border”.
Need for having realistic expectations from BRICS
The BRICS+ meeting is important, and there is a growing interest in the organization. Several new countries entered the organisation. It is important to bear a few points in mind. Not just India, but Brazil and UAE share good relations with the US. Second, while India has robust ties with Russia, it is important to be cautious regarding China-India ties. Many commentators argue that China’s overtures towards India are tactical, given some of the domestic economic challenges Xi Jinping is facing. There has been talk of
India is easing out some of the restrictions imposed on Chinese investments in India (it is not just Indian businesses but some within the government who have pitched in favour of the same). Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that checks on FDI—which are in “national interest”—will remain.
Despite the differences between the US and India, on some issues, there are more strategic convergences between both countries – specifically in the Indo-Pacific. The US itself while response regarding the BRICS Summit was quite nuanced. A US State Department Spokesperson while commenting on BRICS said that the US does not view it as a threat, saying it has been around for long. He also said that every country is free to make its choices regarding economic engagement with other countries.
Conclusion
It is important to have realistic expectations from the BRICS Summit and in the context of India-China relations. While recent developments are important, it is important to not lose sight of the complexities of BRICS itself. that not only have ties between India and China remained strained, but several of the countries as mentioned earlier have good ties with the US and would not want to be part of an “Anti-West” club. Then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill who introduced the term BRIC, over two decades ago, while commenting on the organisation said:
“The idea that the BRICS can be some genuine global economic club, it’s a bit out there with the fairies in the same way that the G7 can be, and it’s very disturbing that they see themselves as some kind of alternative global thing, because it’s obviously not feasible,”
The results of the upcoming US election will also have a strong bearing on the world order and the BRICS. While BRICS has been pushing for de-dollarization, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has hinted at sanctions against countries moving towards de-dollarization. Trump has also repeatedly referred to his rapport with Putin and that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would end in hours. It remains to be seen how the new administration – Republican or Democrat – will respond to the changes taking place in the global geopolitical situation.
The author is a policy analyst and faculty member at the Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own and do not reflect those of DNA.)
MAMI 2024: Here's why The Room Next Door, A Fly on The Wall stood out at film festival
Youngest Indian student represents India on most iconic international tech platform
PAK vs ENG test: Saud Shakeel near century as Pakistan still trails by 80 runs
Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Vande Bharat trains for people travelling home; check route, fare, timings
This restaurant owner refuses to serve food vlogger, says 'Main tum logo se…', watch viral video
PM Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meet, exchange views on defence, trade, clean energy
Meet Indian who is first female CFO of HSBC in 160 years, not from IIT, IIM, she is from...
IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Team India's flop show continues, all out for 156, NZ lead by 103 runs
Need for a nuanced approach and realistic expectations from BRICS+
Ranbir Kapoor doesn't even gossip, says Alia Bhatt in viral video; Sonakshi, Nargis think otherwise
India, China pull back troops; begin disengagement in Demchok, Depaang in eastern Ladakh
Meet Prashanth Rajendran: The product leader who's making big data safer for millions
Gulmarg terror attack: Security forces launch combing operation along LoC
The impact of studying abroad on career prospects for Indian students
Delhi water shortage: No water supply for 12 hours TODAY, check affected areas and advisory
Maharashtra election: Baba Siddique's son Zeeshan Siddique joins Ajit Pawar's NCP to contest from...
Centre asks Meta, X to share data again after over 80 flights get fresh bomb threats
Indian woman on Reddit worries if her name would cause issues in Germany, it is...
IMD update: Severe cyclone Dana begins landfall on Odisha coast, expected to continue till...
Delhi Air Pollution Update: Air quality improves to 'moderate' category, AQI drops to 283
Ratan Tata's final project: A four-storey centre, made at cost of Rs 165 crore, it is....
Viral video: Two women dance to Tamannaah Bhatia’s 'Aaj Ki Raat' burns internet, watch
Meet woman, one of world's youngest CEOs, designed her first website at 6, now runs...
Manu Bhaker opts for master's degree after Olympic medal win, says, 'Life is an...'
Apple iPhone maker buys equipment worth Rs 2670000000 for India factory, gears up to start...
DNA TV Show: Congress not to contest UP by-polls, lends 'unconditionally' support to SP
Venom The Last Dance movie review: Tom Hardy's final Marvel outing is a king-size disappointment
Pushpa, Stree 2 choreographer Jani Master gets bail in sexual assault case
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the next Chief Justice of India?
KL Rahul rejects retention offer from Lucknow Super Giants, set to enter IPL 2025 auction: Report
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance to give bonus share ahead of Diwali, check last date to apply
When Hollywood actress Natalie Portman insulted a BIG Bollywood megastar, he was asked to 'get lost'
J-K: 2 porters killed, 3 soldiers injured after Army vehicle attacked in Gulmarg
Shah Rukh Khan is back on small screen with legendary tale, it will lead up to…
Pre-Diwali Skincare: 5 quick tips to achieve flawless skin this festive season
Bomb threats to Indian planes continue: More than 80 flights receive fresh security alerts
Mumbai Police arrests vegetable seller from Jamshedpur for sending death threat to Salman Khan
'Dukh toh hota hi hai': Ex-India star blames MS Dhoni for dropping him at the 'peak of career'
Amitabh Bachchan defended Aishwarya Rai after she opted out of this film due to...
THIS company lost Rs 36430 crore in 6 hours, it's not Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Tata Motors
Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Know the date, time, rituals, significance of Choti Diwali
'Attitude is...': Ex-Tesla employee shares experience working with Elon Musk
IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar scripts history in Pune, becomes first Indian to achieve big feat
Mukesh Ambani hails Meta CEO, says Mark Zuckerberg will go down in history for...
SC issues notice to Ajit Pawar on Sharad Pawar faction's plea over NCP 'clock' symbol
'UPSC hotspot': THIS college produces most IAS, IPS officers every year
Unlock the Power of Quick Recovery: Why every windows PC needs RestoreX360
Royal Enfield first electric bike spotted, it will be unveiled on…
'Dead' baby found alive during funeral in..., what happened next will SHOCK you!
Anil Ambani gets good news ahead of Diwali, his Rs 17016 crore company receives...
Apple iPhone 16 pro is now available for just Rs 52,930 on Amazon, how you can grab this deal