New Delhi, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : India has taken on a significant diplomatic role at the BRICS Summit, moving beyond mere declarations. Professor Swarn Singh, an expert in international affairs at Jawaharlal Nehru University, highlighted India’s achievement in hosting Iran’s president and facilitating dialogue between Iran and the UAE. The Delhi Declaration prominently features India’s stance on development, terrorism, and the Global South.
According to Professor Singh, India’s most notable contribution was the hosting of Iran’s president, which attracted attention due to the body language shared between the two leaders. He was the only head of state to attend the summit and engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Modi.
A critical point raised was the previous inability to reach consensus during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in May, primarily due to tensions between Iran and the UAE. However, at this summit, both leaders were seen engaging in dialogue, marking a significant diplomatic victory for India. Maintaining peace in the Gulf region is essential, and discussions also focused on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, with Oman and Iran potentially finding solutions together.
While the declaration did not explicitly address geopolitics, India conveyed a clear message through its statements. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized that this era is not one of war. At a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek, he reiterated the need to end endless conflicts, as their impact affects all of humanity. India is also openly discussing mediation with Russia.
Professor Singh noted that the summit emphasized economic and technical partnerships over political and geopolitical issues. This focus is reflected in this year’s theme, which is built around the letters of BRICS, emphasizing Building, Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability. This indicates a shift towards viewing BRICS as a platform for development rather than confrontation, especially against the backdrop of Western perceptions.
The declaration specifically addresses terrorism, dedicating four paragraphs to the topic, including a detailed mention of the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorism has become a common point of consensus among BRICS nations.
Looking ahead, Professor Singh expressed curiosity about how the proposed initiatives will materialize over the next three months. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, there are approximately 50 concrete proposals, with several meetings planned to advance these initiatives. The key question remains whether the proposals outlined in the Delhi Declaration will be implemented.
Professor Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has stated that India’s approach extends beyond consensus-building; it also involves ensuring that decisions lead to tangible outcomes. The vision for BRICS is not merely to provide assistance to the Global South through projects but to collaboratively determine what types of projects and proposals are needed. This is why India positions itself as the voice of the Global South rather than its leader.
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