As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has identified three pivotal areas that will test India's diplomatic prowess. Speaking at the India Today BRICS Roundtable, Kant highlighted the need for careful navigation as the expanded grouping confronts global conflicts, protectionism, and escalating economic tensions.
Navigating the Summit Document
Kant stressed the importance of India ensuring that the summit's official document is both progressive and forward-looking, yet avoids any anti-Western sentiment. Achieving this balance will be central to India's presidency, particularly given the diverse geopolitical stances among the now-expanded BRICS members. The language crafted in this document will reflect the group's collective vision and its relationship with the broader international community.
Bridging Divides in West Asia
A significant challenge for India, according to Kant, will be to foster consensus among BRICS members regarding the complex situation in West Asia. The expanded grouping now includes nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, all with differing positions on regional conflicts. Kant emphasized India's crucial role in bridging these differences to arrive at a common, minimum language that acknowledges the complexities while working towards resolution. This diplomatic feat would underscore India's ability to unite disparate viewpoints within a multilateral framework.
Advancing India-China Bilateral Ties
The third key area Kant will closely monitor is the bilateral engagement on the sidelines of the summit, specifically Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings with leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kant highlighted the critical importance of India-China interactions on issues of development, trade, and technology. He recalled that bilateral ties had progressed smoothly until the Galwan clash, which led to India implementing tighter investment rules, such as Press Note 3 and subsequent changes to beneficial ownership rules under Press Note 2.
While acknowledging that Chinese investment up to 10% is now permitted under certain conditions, Kant argued for a proactive movement forward. He suggested that India should prioritize attracting Chinese technology and investment as a strategic approach to address and mitigate the widening trade imbalance with China, rather than allowing it to continue growing unchecked.