Bharat delivered a super hit 18th BRICS Summit

In recent times, the world has faced a time of war. With Iran–Israel tensions and Russia–Ukraine hostilities, and nations vying for American supremacy, fears of a new World War have spread across the globe. Amid such a tense climate, the 18th BRICS Summit unfolded like a calm spring breeze.

In a country that has long shared ancient culture and timeless traditions with other nations, September is spreading messages of peace, fostering an atmosphere of goodwill, and presenting a treasury of unmatched hospitality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diligence in earning the praise of the world over three days reflects India’s growing prestige and reputation on the international stage.

When a prominent Congress leader was asked by a journalist what these BRICS meetings have done for India, the reply was strikingly concise: “You have ruled the country under the banner of the Congress party for years. Is it not true that the achievements our country has attained—economically, politically, and diplomatically in fostering peace—are you not noticing them?” Allow me to say this, listen carefully.

1) Isn’t it a success that an agreement was reached to obtain 50 per cent of the $311 million for the East-West Corridor Project from BRICS Bank (YNB) in Lagos?

2) Isn’t it a success that an agreement was reached with the BRICS Bank for 50 per cent of the $420 million for the Hyderabad Rail Over project at the BRICS Summit?

3) For the water project, for agriculture, for energy, and along with many other agreements, isn’t obtaining the agreement of the countries participating in the BRICS Summit on the cross-border payment system a success?

More than anything, is it not necessary to insist that taking the countries with a wary, closed-door stance to a single path, withstand American sanctions, and, economically, politically, and diplomatically progress BRICS nations toward benefits, and that in some key areas, obtain unanimous approvals, which should be considered a great victory? Wondered an elderly person.

The 18th BRICS Summit, determined to achieve certain goals, was driven by a stance of dictating dominance by superpowers, and to counterbalance that, some countries joined together to reflect multilateralism, which found expression in a joint statement released in Delhi. The summit achieved three main objectives: participation of more countries, creating an institutional framework for mutual trade cooperation, and, even while wars are ongoing, BRICS members participating under Indian leadership were able to publicly announce a unified declaration. That is what the summit accomplished.

It is notable that the US, Iran, and West Asia—the major players in the region’s conflicts—participated in this summit. However, it remains unclear what stance Saudi Arabia and BRICS will adopt next. After the foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan concluded the key meetings, he arrived in Delhi. Only after the joint statement was issued did this happen. The remaining members unanimously agreed to work toward resolving issues and issuing a statement. The joint declaration highlighted a desire to give India and Brazil a prominent role in the United Nations Security Council.

They particularly condemned the Western powers for increasing tariffs and imposing them. They are also receptive to cross-border payments to facilitate BRICS-trade tracks and actions through local currencies. However, they refrained from condemning any leader of Iran, and they did not openly criticize the US, Israel, or Iran’s attacks. They did not take punitive action against any member country on sensitive matters.

We should see how power equations evolve post the summit! India’s role at the summit will be remembered in world history for making other countries see that it stayed steadfast for many days.

Even opposition parties, while appreciating our country’s diplomatic stance on this occasion, should also acknowledge that there is harmony among all the parties in India when it comes to international diplomacy, despite internal disagreements.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer, who has served as an Additional DGP of Andhra Pradesh)

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Ravulapati Seetaramarao

Ravulapati Seetaramarao