This weekend, New Delhi takes center stage as the leaders of Iran, Russia, and China arrive for the 18th BRICS summit. This event comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, presenting a significant test for the alliance formed two decades ago.
Backdrop of Geopolitical Tensions
The summit, scheduled for September 12-13, follows more than six months of conflict between the U.S. and Iran. It also occurs after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit earlier this month, where some of the same leaders participated.
BRICS, which started in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has grown to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Iran-India Relations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on trade, energy cooperation, and regional issues. This discussion follows their recent reaffirmation of a strategic partnership.
Amid economic pressure from the U.S., Iran seeks to strengthen ties with Russia and China. As part of this effort, Iran pursues membership in the BRICS New Development Bank. This initiative coincides with the presence of its key trade partners, providing a chance to engage collectively as U.S. sanctions intensify.
China-India Dynamics
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits India for the first time in seven years. This visit aims to reduce tensions following a deadly military clash in 2020 along their disputed border. Modi and Xi will likely discuss maintaining peace and enhancing economic ties.
Russia’s Agenda
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Modi for discussions centered on energy and defense. Putin’s visit marks his first to India since the Ukraine conflict began. Russia highlights expanding energy ties with India while acknowledging shared views on the Ukraine war.
UAE and Saudi Arabia’s Roles
Dubai’s withdrawal of financial dealings with Iran impacted Indian exporters. The UAE and Saudi Arabia remain essential to India’s Gulf strategy.
Recent Houthi militia attacks in Saudi Arabia underscore the region’s instability. Meanwhile, the UAE’s diplomatic role in Ukraine discussions has been noted by Russia, adding to its growing influence.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
The BRICS summit challenges India to navigate various geopolitical interests. Modi aims to balance relations with major powers, including Washington, while fostering cooperation among BRICS members.
India’s foreign policy strives for multi-alignment. It emphasizes dialogue, resilience, and cooperation, avoiding a binary stance in great-power conflicts.
The Future of BRICS
Success at the summit hinges on advancing Global South priorities while managing geopolitical divisions. Failure to achieve consensus could expose the limitations of BRICS, yet its role in mediation remains crucial.
As conflicts disrupt economies, the world’s third-largest oil importer, India, faces energy and inflation challenges. Keeping BRICS inclusive is vital to addressing these global concerns.
Kyra Colah, a Writer and Associate Producer for Fox News, contributed to this report.
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