Xi Takes Centre Stage at Modi’s BRICS Summit as Iran War Deepens

The gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) in New Delhi this week may seem inconsequential amid the escalating war in the Middle East. However, it represents a crucial opportunity for these nations to demonstrate their commitment to unity and cooperation in the face of unprecedented global challenges.

The BRICS summit is often viewed as an informal grouping with diverse economic interests and conflicting priorities. Yet, under current circumstances, the meeting assumes greater significance than ever before. The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other key leaders underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for collective action.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to advance a broader agenda for the Global South at this summit. He aims to promote dialogue to resolve disputes, enhance trade in local currencies, and reform institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to give developing economies a greater voice. These goals are laudable, but it remains to be seen whether the summit will yield concrete results.

The Middle East crisis has created fresh divisions within the BRICS group. India and China’s longstanding border dispute persists, while other nations have attempted to rebrand the informal grouping as an anti-US bloc – a move that India has resisted. The complexity of these issues highlights the difficulty in forging common ground among such diverse stakeholders.

Modi’s diplomatic efforts are being closely watched, particularly his bilateral meetings with Xi and Putin. He is attempting to balance relations with the US, Russia, China, and Iran while promoting dialogue to resolve disputes. His success will depend on his ability to reconcile India’s economic interests with its strategic ambitions.

The BRICS summit also offers Modi a chance to shore up his image as a leader among Global South nations. As ties with the United States have frayed amid President Donald Trump’s trade war, India’s ability to maintain relationships spanning different ideological camps has become increasingly valuable. The summit’s agenda includes a closed-door session on global governance and multilateralism, which may provide an opportunity for Modi to project his vision.

The gathering’s success will depend on the ability of its leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. Securing an agreement would be a significant demonstration of unity amidst the war-induced shocks to the global economy. However, the prospects for such an outcome are uncertain.

As KC Singh, a former senior Indian diplomat, noted, “A few plurilateral summits may frame solutions but implementation requires visionary leadership.” The BRICS summit presents a moment of truth for these nations – one that will test their commitment to unity and cooperation in the face of global turbulence.

The war in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through the global economy, with oil prices surging above $107 a barrel. This development will have far-reaching implications for major buyers like India and Indonesia, while BRICS producers may benefit from higher export revenues. The summit’s outcome will provide crucial insight into the ability of these nations to navigate this complex landscape.

The success or failure of the BRICS summit will depend on its leaders’ willingness to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, this moment of unity in turbulent times offers a glimmer of hope – one that must not be squandered.