This weekend, Delhi served as the stage for a significant gathering of influential global leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for these leaders to become “rule-shapers” instead of “rule-takers.” The BRICS group, comprised of leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, were present. Despite their historical conflicts and territorial disputes, India’s diplomatic prowess succeeded in bringing these leaders together in person.
The Iran conflict prompted a reassessment of international relationships during the summit. However, reaching a consensus on a new global order and producing concrete results proved challenging, revealing underlying tensions among the members.
BRICS as a Counterbalance to Western Dominance
For countries like China, Russia, and Iran, the BRICS alliance serves as a platform to challenge the influence of the US and Western Europe. However, India has been cautious about portraying BRICS as an anti-Western entity. Prime Minister Modi clarified that BRICS is “not against anyone,” highlighting India’s intention to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that may be in conflict with one another.
Anil Trigunayat, a seasoned Indian diplomat, believes India’s goal is to achieve “strategic autonomy” and foster “greater collaboration among members.” Despite differing views on the group’s direction, India aims to navigate these complexities diplomatically.
The Joint Declaration: A Delicate Balance
The summit managed to produce a joint declaration despite stark disagreements among members. The “New Delhi Declaration” avoided directly addressing contentious issues, such as the Middle East conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine, focusing instead on urging “maximum restraint” and condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure without assigning blame.
The declaration also addressed trade concerns, criticizing “indiscriminate rising tariffs” and unilateral sanctions without naming specific countries like the US. This approach reflects India’s diplomatic strategy, which seeks to express dissatisfaction without provoking international tensions.
Post-Summit Dynamics
In the aftermath of the summit, the reshaping of the global order remains a priority for many BRICS members. The meeting provided an opportunity for high-level discussions that seemed unlikely in the recent past. Notably, Iran’s President Pezeshkian engaged in talks with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, marking a significant diplomatic encounter since the onset of the Middle East conflict.
Iran aims to strengthen economic ties with BRICS nations, seeking support amidst US sanctions and economic isolation. Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping’s visit to Delhi, the first in seven years, signaled a potential thaw in relations with India, despite lingering trade imbalances and past border disputes.
Official discussions between Xi and Modi focused on enhancing business relations and addressing trade barriers, signaling a cautious rapprochement. However, the long-term impact of these engagements remains uncertain, as noted by Trigunayat, who emphasizes the importance of “trust, but verify first.”
Future Prospects for BRICS
The Delhi summit demonstrated BRICS’ potential to facilitate dialogue among geopolitical rivals outside Western-dominated frameworks. However, the path forward remains complex. While there is consensus on the need for a new global order, defining its structure and implementation poses significant challenges.
