New Delhi: India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend, with the government focusing on stronger relationships, practical cooperation and people-centric development amid growing global uncertainty.
The summit is expected to bring together leaders from India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The meeting will begin on September 12 and is expected to focus on global governance, multilateralism and development.
According to an Indian official, New Delhi’s approach to the summit is based on three key principles: relationships over rivalry, substance over statements and people over politics. India hopes this approach will help BRICS members work together despite differences on several international issues.
The gathering comes at a particularly sensitive time because some BRICS members have conflicting positions on the ongoing West Asia conflict. Iran and the UAE, for example, have found themselves on different sides of the regional tensions. India is therefore expected to use its diplomatic position to encourage dialogue and cooperation rather than allowing geopolitical differences to dominate the summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also set the tone for the meeting on Friday. In a post on X, he expressed confidence that the summit would lead to positive and meaningful discussions on issues concerning global welfare. He also shared a message emphasising the importance of dialogue, friendship and cooperation among people committed to constructive engagement.
India sees BRICS as an important platform in an increasingly multipolar world. At the same time, New Delhi continues to participate in other major international groupings, including the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Quad. The government views these platforms as complementary and believes they allow India to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging with countries across different geopolitical blocs.
A major priority for India during its BRICS chairship is expected to be strengthening the voice of the Global South. New Delhi is also seeking greater cooperation on development-related issues and reaffirming the need for reforms in global governance institutions.
The summit is therefore likely to be more than a meeting of emerging economies. For India, it is an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic balancing ability, promote multilateral cooperation and build bridges between countries with competing interests.
As global conflicts and strategic rivalries continue to reshape international relations, New Delhi is hoping that BRICS can emerge as a platform for dialogue, development and practical cooperation.
Reader Comments 0