Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer
The recently concluded 17th BRICS Summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marked a significant moment in global diplomacy, with India emerging as a formidable voice for the Global South. As the world anticipates the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, India’s assertive and principled stance at BRICS underscored its growing influence in shaping a more equitable international order. The summit, attended by leaders from the 11-member BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—alongside partner nations such as Vietnam, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, highlighted the increasing relevance of emerging economies in global governance. The discussions emphasized the need for inclusive global policies, collective action against terrorism, and reforms to address the inequities embedded in international institutions.
India’s leadership at the summit was characterized by a clear and unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South, which represents over six billion people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a vision of global cooperation rooted in fairness, mutual respect, and moral clarity. His address emphasized two central themes: amplifying the voice of the Global South and advocating for a united global front against terrorism. These priorities resonated strongly in the summit’s joint declaration, which condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for a fairer, more representative global governance framework.
The summit served as a platform for India to reaffirm its long-standing policy of zero tolerance for terrorism. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the devastating impact of terrorist acts, referencing the tragic attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 innocent lives. Describing the incident as an assault on India’s core values, he emphasized that terrorism transcends national boundaries and poses a universal threat to humanity. Drawing parallels with global incidents like the 9/11 attacks, he urged the international community to adopt a consistent and unequivocal stance against terrorism, regardless of its location or political context. The BRICS leaders echoed this sentiment in their joint statement, explicitly condemning the Pahalgam attack and denouncing all forms of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of motivation or perpetrator.
India’s call for a unified global response to terrorism was not merely rhetorical. Prime Minister Modi posed a critical question to world leaders: Are we truly committed to eradicating terrorism? He stressed that there can be no compromise in taking decisive action against terrorists and their networks. The joint statement reinforced this position, emphasizing the need to dismantle cross-border terrorism, disrupt financial networks that sustain such activities, and eliminate safe havens for perpetrators. By advocating for a principled approach that avoids double standards, India positioned itself as a moral and strategic leader in the global fight against terrorism.
Beyond counter-terrorism, India’s contributions at the summit underscored its broader vision for the Global South. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the aspirations and concerns of over six billion people cannot be ignored in global decision-making processes. He called for a restructuring of international institutions to better reflect the realities of the 21st century, challenging the dominance of traditional Western coalitions. The inclusion of new BRICS members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—alongside partner countries, signals the bloc’s expanding influence and its potential to reshape global power dynamics. India’s leadership in this context was marked by a commitment to integrity and conviction, encouraging other nations in the Global South to assert their rightful place on the world stage without being hindered by historical colonial legacies or fears of neo-imperialism.
The summit’s final declaration encapsulated India’s advocacy for a reformed global governance framework. It highlighted the need for institutions that are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of emerging economies. India’s stance was clear: leadership in today’s world must be rooted in moral clarity rather than power-based domination. This vision resonated with other BRICS members, who collectively called for greater representation of developing nations in global decision-making bodies. The declaration also addressed pressing global challenges, including the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, such as nuclear sites, in conflict zones, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding humanity.
As the international community reflects on the outcomes of the BRICS Summit, attention now turns to the United States and its response to the bloc’s growing influence. With President Donald Trump’s administration known for its swift and sometimes contentious policy decisions, there is speculation about potential new sanctions or countermeasures. However, the global outcry over certain unilateral actions may prompt a reevaluation of such policies. The BRICS Summit’s emphasis on cooperation over conflict serves as a reminder that emerging powers are increasingly shaping the global agenda, and any response from Western nations, particularly the United States, will need to consider this evolving dynamic.
India’s role at the summit was not just about articulating grievances but about presenting a forward-looking vision for global leadership. By championing the cause of the Global South, India positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations, advocating for a world order that prioritizes justice, equity, and collective security. The summit’s outcomes, particularly the strong condemnation of terrorism and the call for reformed global governance, reflect India’s ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
Looking ahead, India’s performance at the BRICS Summit sets the stage for its role at the upcoming G20 Summit. The principles articulated in Rio de Janeiro—fairness, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for terrorism—will likely guide India’s engagement in future multilateral forums. As the Global South continues to assert its influence, India’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the voices of billions are not only heard but acted upon. The BRICS Summit was not just a diplomatic event; it was a declaration of intent from emerging powers to redefine global priorities and build a more just and equitable world order.
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