18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

The 18th BRICS summit held in New Delhi exceeded expectations, especially in terms of diplomatic achievements. India hosted this summit for the fourth time.

Key Diplomatic Accomplishments

• New Delhi Declaration:
  • Adopted unanimously, despite initial disagreements from Iran and the UAE, highlighting diplomatic success.
  • Neutral language avoided direct mentions of conflicts involving Iran, the US, Israel, and Russia.
  • Emphasized need for "exercising maximum restraint" and avoiding actions that could worsen situations.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Address:
  • Reinforced the "coming of age" narrative for BRICS as a group of emerging economies.
  • Avoided anti-West sentiments, crucial for tricky trade or bilateral talks with the US and Europe.

China-India Diplomatic Interactions

• Chinese President Xi Jinping's Attendance:
  • Marked improvement in cooperative diplomacy, especially after meetings in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Xi emphasized "complementing each other's strengths" despite differences.
  • Modi stressed observing "existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues."

Challenges and Limitations

• Past Experience with China:
  • Optimism tempered by China's historical actions.
  • Focus on cultural exchanges and business links; real test depends on cooperation in trade and investment.
• New Delhi Declaration Initiatives:
  • Covered technology, climate change, health, education, and culture.
  • Hopes for medium to long-term achievements remain restrained due to varying economies and geopolitical goals.

BRICS' Global Role and Challenges

• Representation of Global South:
  • 11 full members and 10 partner countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Concrete gains remain elusive.
• New Development Bank:
  • Remains small and reliant on the western financial system.
  • Suspended loans to Russia after 2022 sanctions.
• Alternative Currency Efforts:
  • Efforts undermined by US threats and the rise of China-led payment systems.

Overall, BRICS is viewed as a benign grouping still in search of a definitive objective.