Brics Summit in Delhi Highlights Global Tensions Amid Calls for New Order

This weekend's Brics summit in Delhi brought together leaders from some of the world's most influential nations, but the event also underscored the complex divisions within the group. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for member nations to transition from being 'rule-takers' to 'rule-shapers', a sentiment that reflects the shifting dynamics in global geopolitics.

Among the attendees were Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other high-profile figures. The gathering showcased India's diplomatic prowess, as it successfully united leaders with historically fraught relationships, including ongoing tensions between India and China and deep divisions between Iran and the UAE.

Striving for Consensus Amid Divisions

The summit's significant achievement was the adoption of the 'New Delhi Declaration', which, while reaching a consensus, notably sidestepped key contentious issues. The statement urged 'maximum restraint' regarding the Middle East conflict and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure without assigning blame. Notably absent was any mention of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting a cautious approach to avoid further fracturing the group.

While some members, such as China and Russia, see Brics as a platform to counter Western influence, India remains careful not to frame the group as anti-Western. Modi emphasized that Brics is 'not against anyone', reflecting India's desire to maintain relationships with all member nations, despite their conflicting interests.

Building Bridges and Future Challenges

The summit also facilitated unprecedented meetings, including discussions between Iran and the UAE's leadership—an acknowledgment of the pressing need for economic collaboration amid escalating geopolitical tensions. As Iran seeks to bolster its economic ties within Brics, Pezeshkian's call for deeper connections with countries like India and Malaysia highlights the urgency of these discussions.

In a notable moment, Xi's visit marked his first trip to Delhi in seven years, reflecting a cautious thaw in relations between India and China following their 2020 border dispute. While tensions linger, both leaders expressed a desire to enhance trade and transport ties, underscoring the potential for cooperation despite historical grievances.

As the summit concluded, the question of what the future holds for Brics looms large. While there is consensus on the necessity for a new global order, the path to defining and achieving that vision remains fraught with challenges.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk