With the conclusion of the BRICS summit held in Russia, India has once again demonstrated its excellent diplomacy. This ingenuity of India in a world surrounded by conflict is astonishing. By standing alongside Russia and China – as President Vladimir Putin continues his destruction of Ukraine and China continues to threaten Taiwan – India has managed to take advantage of these global tensions.
Starting in 2022, India increased its imports of subsidized Russian oil, thereby boosting India’s energy supply at lower costs. This move has strengthened India’s economic stability amid fluctuations in global oil prices. Around 70% of India’s defense material comes from Russia. For example, this is when Western countries have imposed dozens of strict sanctions on Russia.
balancing the west
India is also strengthening its strategic partnership with the West. As a key member of the Quad, India is also cooperating with the United States, Japan and Australia to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
This art of balancing allows India to remain a key player in the West’s geopolitical strategies without compromising its independence or angering China or Russia.
Also read: How is Demchok’s situation amid talks between Modi and Jinping in Russia? Read the Ladakh land report
Strategic move in the Middle East
India is deepening its relations with Iran in the Middle East even amid the East-West dispute. For example, the Chabahar port in Iran is proof of this. With this project, not only will Pakistan be bypassed on the trade front but important cooperation will also be established to make the trade route safe.
Despite US sanctions on Iran, India has managed to maintain this strategic partnership without alienating the West.
India’s growing participation in the BRICS
India’s relationship with other BRICS members strengthens India’s position:
Brazil: India benefits from Brazilian agricultural exports, especially soybeans, which contribute to India’s food security. Energy cooperation in biofuels and renewable energy also helps India diversify its energy sources.
Russia: In addition to oil, India has secured favorable energy deals on natural gas and continues to acquire advanced military technology while strengthening its defense capabilities.
China: Despite political tensions, bilateral trade will reach a record level of $135.98 billion in 2022. India imports electronics and machinery while exporting raw materials to maintain economic dependence. Technological cooperation in ICT and manufacturing has also promoted innovation and economic development.
Also read: Photo of Putin, Modi and Jinping at the table… Today that meeting on which the eyes of the world are fixed will be held in Russia.
Recently, China has initiated positive initiatives regarding the agreement on a new patrolling system on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Chinese officials see it as a step toward restoring peace and stability on the border, which could potentially improve strained relations.
New BRICS members and strategic alliance
The inclusion of new members such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia in this year’s summit has added new dimensions to India’s prospects.
Diversified Economic Partnership: The UAE’s Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India has opened new avenues for trade. Strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Iran also strengthen India’s geopolitical position, which can ensure access to vital energy supplies.
Economic and strategic cooperation: Cooperation with these new members enhances India’s influence in areas such as energy, trade and infrastructure development.
Economic Cooperation Initiative: The leaders discussed the goal of increasing intra-BRICS trade to $300 billion by 2025 through reduced tariffs and better logistics.
SDGs): The summit emphasized collective efforts to achieve the SDGs by focusing on climate change and renewable energy projects.
Also Read: Will India-China relations improve after PM Modi-Jinping meeting?
Strengthening financial institutions: Discussions also included strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB) to better finance infrastructure projects in BRICS countries.
Indian Diplomatic Masterclass
India’s ability to balance relations with all BRICS members and address broader geopolitical tensions is a testament to its excellent diplomacy. Keeping pace with emerging economies and maintaining strong ties with both the West and the East, India has benefited from all sides of the global power spectrum.
The events of the Kazan Summit further reinforce India’s growing role on the global stage, where India has sought to leverage the best of the BRICS platform to improve its economic prospects and geopolitical position.
