India’s Strategic Moves at the BRICS Summit in Kazan: A New Vision for Global Leadership

India’s Strategic Moves at the BRICS Summit in Kazan:

This essay, inspired by Sanjay Bhattacharya’s “Not Another BRICS in the Wall” in The Indian Express (October 25, 2024), explains how India played a key role at the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India focused on working together with China, fighting terrorism, promoting the use of national currencies in trade, and asking for reforms in international organisations. India’s actions showed its commitment to helping developing countries and sent an important message to the Western nations about its growing strength and independence.

Introduction

The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, was a pivotal moment for India and its leadership on the global stage. BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is an organisation that brings together major emerging economies. As the world witnesses a shift in geopolitical and economic power, India’s role in BRICS has become more crucial than ever. At this summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a clear vision for India’s future within BRICS, addressing key issues like terrorism, economic cooperation, and reforms in global institutions. In doing so, India positioned itself as a leader of the Global South and sent a subtle but significant message to the West about the shifting global power dynamics.

Strengthening Relations with China

A key element of India’s approach at the Kazan summit was the effort to manage its complex relationship with China. The two countries have a long history of border disputes, particularly in regions like Galwan, but at the summit, they showcased a willingness to cooperate on global issues despite their differences. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which focused on areas of mutual concern such as economic cooperation and multilateral reforms.

India and China, as two of the largest economies in the world, have seen their economic ties grow over the years, despite ongoing political tensions. At the BRICS summit, Modi made it clear that India is committed to peaceful relations but would not compromise on issues of national security. By focusing on diplomatic engagement rather than conflict, India signalled its maturity on the global stage. Both nations agreed that cooperation is essential to tackling global challenges like the reform of multilateral institutions and economic systems.

While India continues to stand firm on its border disputes, the summit marked a step toward reducing tensions, particularly through disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, both sides agreed to maintain their military presence along the disputed border as a precautionary measure. This pragmatic approach demonstrates India’s ability to balance diplomacy with defence, a theme that was echoed throughout the summit.

Focus on Combating Terrorism

Another central theme of Modi’s speech at the BRICS Summit was the global fight against terrorism. Modi emphasised that there can be no justification for terrorism under any circumstances and called on the international community to unite in confronting this issue. By bringing up the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations, Modi highlighted India’s determination to push forward global efforts to define and combat terrorism.

Terrorism has been a longstanding concern for India, particularly given its experiences with cross-border terrorism from neighbouring countries. Modi’s firm stance on this issue at BRICS was not only aimed at securing India’s borders but also at encouraging the international community to adopt a unified stance on terrorism. By calling out the “double standards” that some countries apply to terrorism, Modi sent a powerful message to those nations that have been lenient or have used terrorism for political purposes. His call for a comprehensive global strategy to address terrorism was well-received by BRICS members and further solidified India’s leadership role on this critical issue.

BRICS Expansion and India’s Vision for the Global South

One of the most significant topics discussed at the BRICS Summit was the potential expansion of the group to include new members. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey have shown interest in joining BRICS, and this expansion could greatly increase the bloc’s global influence. Modi welcomed the idea of expanding BRICS but emphasised that the group must remain true to its core values of consensus and cooperation, particularly in advocating for the interests of the Global South.

India has consistently positioned itself as a voice for developing nations, and Modi’s speech at the summit reflected this commitment. He emphasised that BRICS should continue to focus on promoting the interests of countries from the Global South, which have often been marginalised in global decision-making forums. Modi’s vision for BRICS is one where the platform becomes a vehicle for these nations to participate more actively in global governance and to address challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and access to technology.

The expansion of BRICS would undoubtedly enhance the group’s influence on the world stage, but Modi cautioned against diluting the principles that have made BRICS successful. He stressed that any expansion must be carefully considered and must align with the group’s mission to serve as a voice for the Global South. By advocating for a stronger role for developing countries in global governance, India demonstrated its commitment to promoting an inclusive and equitable international system.

National Currency Trade and Economic Cooperation

Another critical issue Modi addressed at the BRICS Summit was the promotion of trade in national currencies, an idea that is gaining traction among BRICS countries. By reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade, BRICS nations can protect their economies from external shocks, such as economic sanctions and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Modi highlighted India’s success with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has gained international recognition, as an example of how digital financial platforms can enhance economic cooperation within BRICS Summit in Kazan.

The move towards national currency trade is particularly important for India and other BRICS members as they seek to strengthen their economic independence. The ability to trade in local currencies not only reduces the dominance of the U.S. dollar but also allows BRICS countries to build a more resilient and self-reliant economic system. Modi’s emphasis on this issue at the summit underscores India’s desire to lead efforts in creating alternative economic frameworks that better serve the interests of emerging economies.

India’s Push for Reforms in Global Institutions

One of the most important messages Modi delivered at the BRICS Summit in Kazan was the need for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank. He argued that these institutions, which were established in the aftermath of World War II, no longer reflect the realities of today’s world. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, India has long been advocating for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a demand that was reiterated at the summit.

Modi’s call for reform was not just about securing a seat for India; it was about ensuring that global institutions become more representative and democratic. He stressed that developing nations, particularly those from the Global South, must have a greater voice in global decision-making processes. By advocating for these reforms, India positioned itself as a champion of a more just and equitable global order.

Implied Message to the West

Beyond the overt messages delivered at the summit, India’s actions at BRICS also carried an implicit message to the West. For decades, global governance has been dominated by Western powers, particularly the United States and its allies. However, the growing influence of BRICS, and India’s leadership within it, challenges this dominance. Modi’s speech at the summit, with its emphasis on national currency trade, economic cooperation, and reforms in global institutions, signalled India’s intent to assert its autonomy and influence in the international arena.

India’s balanced diplomacy with both China and Russia, despite Western pressure to isolate these countries, highlights its strategic autonomy. By maintaining strong ties with Russia, engaging diplomatically with China, and advocating for the Global South, India is crafting a foreign policy that is independent of Western interests. This message is particularly significant in the context of the U.S.’s attempts to maintain its influence in global affairs. India’s actions at BRICS demonstrate that it is not willing to be a proxy for any major power but instead seeks to create a multipolar world where it can play a leading role.

Moreover, Modi’s repeated calls for a fairer global financial system and his criticism of Western double standards on issues like terrorism indicate India’s growing frustration with the existing global order. By championing reforms in global institutions and promoting alternatives to the U.S.-led financial system, India is signalling to the West that the world is changing, and the old order can no longer sustain the aspirations of emerging economies.

Conclusion

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Valuable Content – TheStudyias

Download the App to Subscribe to our Courses – Thestudyias

The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH