Prime minister Narendra Modi flies to China on Sunday to take part in the three-day BRICS leaders summit. While Modi going to China itself is big news, given that some days ago, even that seemed unlikely with the Doklam cloud hanging over the bilateral ties of the two neighbours, the BRICS meeting is important on several other counts, too.
There is a lot in common between the member nations, as well as great differences. BRICS spans four continents, and has different political ideologies. India, South Africa and Brazil are democracies, while Russia and China are not. Russia is part of the developed west, the others are still considered 'emerging economies'. Together, however, these countries were once seen as the future superstars of the world. Some countries have little people to people contact, while others are rubbed raw with friction (India-China and the Doklam standoff being the most recent illustration.)
The theme of this summit, stronger partnership for a brighter future itself is poignant.
To make BRICS relevant into its tenth year and beyond is a challenge before the group. Terrorism is the big issue at all global meets, and this one will be no different, even though China has clearly mentioned that the BRICS platform would not be appropriate to raise the issue of Pakistan and terrorism. But the subject is likely to pop up in some form or the other, even if Pakistan is not mentioned.
Four documents are expected to be signed—the MoUs on economic and trade development, innovative development, a strategic framework for BRICS custom cooperation and MoU between BRICS business council and New Development Bank.
The last is important, as it gives direction to the bank within BRICS that Modi had proposed in his first outing at BRICS. Given the more democratic setup of the bank as compared to west-dominated financial institutions, it is important for BRICS nations to ensure the bank becomes a robust institution. Some of the largest economies of the world contribute to it.
This is the first summit after the ascension of Donald Trump in the US. BRICS, which is built on a foundation of globalisation, could make a statement on the subject. It remains an important multi national club in a time of protectionism.
The Xiamen outing will also give Modi opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties with his counterparts. Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the external affairs ministry (MEA) said the bilaterals were not yet finalised, but were still being coordinated. But a pull aside with Jinping would greatly add to the truce the two countries have worked out over the tri-border standoff. It would also help sweeten building rancour, thanks to China's One Belt One Road Initiative.
There is some noise from Beijing on the need to expand BRICS into a BRICS Plus forum. India, however, is not in favour, said the MEA. China has invited five nations as guests. These are Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand, taking a cue from India, which, last year, had invited the BIMSTEC nations, too, to the Goa venue where BRICS summit was hosted. “The host country is free to invite guests, that does not mean BRICS will expand,'' Kumar said.
