Anticipation Grows as BRICS Summit Sees Prospects of PM Modi and Xi Jinping Dialogue.
New Delhi, August 22, 2024 — The 15th BRICS Summit kicked off in Johannesburg with heightened interest surrounding a possible face-to-face interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra revealed that the Prime Minister’s schedule is still being finalized, keeping the prospects of a bilateral meeting on the table.
The BRICS Summit, a convergence of leaders from Brazil, China, Russia, India, and South Africa, offers a platform for discussions on global issues and the identification of future cooperation avenues. It marks the first in-person gathering since 2019, as virtual meetings became the norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India and China Seek Common Ground at BRICS Summit Amid Ongoing Border Dispute.
The shadows of the India-China border standoff, which commenced in May 2020, cast a significant influence over this year’s summit. The two countries have been engaged in diplomatic and military talks to de-escalate the tensions, and their recent joint statement characterized the negotiations as “positive, constructive, and in-depth.” However, the situation remains complex, with both sides continuing to grapple with unresolved issues.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the margins of a prior BRICS meeting underscored the importance of resolving the situation for sustained peace and stability in the border regions. The deterioration of India-China ties following a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 has underscored the urgency of diplomatic engagement.
Prime Minister Modi, prior to his departure for the summit, emphasized the value of BRICS as a platform for addressing concerns of the Global South. He articulated a strong cooperative agenda across various sectors and looked forward to bilateral discussions with fellow leaders.
The BRICS grouping represents a significant portion of the world’s population, spanning three continents and diverse economic landscapes.
BRICS Summit theme.
This year’s summit theme, “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism,” highlights the collective commitment to inclusive global development.
Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic itinerary extends beyond BRICS, as he is scheduled to travel to Greece after the summit. This visit holds particular significance, as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Greece in over four decades. The trip aims to strengthen the cultural, trade, and investment ties between the two nations.
As the BRICS Summit unfolds, the eyes of the world turn towards Johannesburg, where the leaders will deliberate on shared interests, cooperation opportunities, and the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs. Amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges, the summit carries the hope of forging stronger ties and fostering a cooperative global order.
