18th BRICS Summit: Realpolitik and Bilateral Dynamics
The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by New Delhi, centered on the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India's Perspective
- Economic Motives: India aimed to maintain improved bilateral ties for domestic economic benefits.
- Global Signaling: Demonstrating to the US its global alliances and influence.
China's Perspective
- US Relations: For China, attending the summit was a strategic signal to the US, preceding Xi’s state visit to Washington, DC.
- Statements Analysis: The Chinese statement was notably longer and more focused on broader international contexts than on India, with significant references to BRICS, Global South, and other international organizations.
Key Aspects of Modi-Xi Meeting
- Focus Divergence:
- India’s statement emphasized border peace and agreements.
- China’s statement lacked detailed focus on borders, instead highlighting multilateral cooperation.
- Promises and Outcomes:
- Agreements on boundary delimitation and hydrological data sharing remain vague.
- Bilateral Relationship Vision:
- China urged India to see each other as partners, reduce interference, and improve public opinion on bilateral relations.
- Explicit mentions of Taiwan and Tibet policies indicate pressure tactics.
- Strategic Judgement:
- China stated the partnership as strategic, influenced by domestic and international factors, indicating possible future shifts.
The article highlights the cautious diplomatic dance between India and China within the BRICS framework, underscoring realpolitik influences and strategic communications aimed at broader international audiences, especially the US.
