Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated that India should aim for BRICS to function as a “non-West, but not anti-West” platform, stressing that positioning the group as anti-Western would not align with the country’s national interests. In a conversation with PTI Videos, Tharoor pointed out that some member nations of BRICS might desire to establish a more pronounced anti-Western stance.

However, he emphasised the need for India, as the summit’s host and chair, to prioritise its own strategic interests while also addressing the aspirations of the Global South. Tharoor stated, “We want BRICS to be a forum that is non-West, but not anti-West.” He elaborated that this agenda differs from those of some other participating nations, which may favour a geopolitical approach that could be described as both non-Western and anti-Western.

He cautioned that this stance would not serve India’s national interest. He described India’s role in hosting the BRICS Summit as one of “great prestige”, with expectations that approximately a dozen heads of state and government would attend, including leaders from both member and observer countries. This setting would create opportunities for important bilateral engagements, notably with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely seeking discussions with attending leaders.

Concerns Over India-China Relations

In his remarks regarding India-China relations, Tharoor indicated that the ongoing tensions stem from actions taken by China. He noted that ties have remained strained since the Galwan clash in 2020. Tharoor accused China of attempting to alter the status quo along the undefined border and accused it of making unhelpful comments.

He also mentioned complications related to Indian visas, alleging that China has been using its trade influence to affect access to critical imports. Tharoor expressed that a self-respecting India would not yield to such pressures and affirmed the importance of standing firm in the face of challenges.

He underscored that any meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would carry significance. However, Tharoor remarked that India would seek greater flexibility and understanding from China than has been demonstrated in prior years. He insisted that India must assert its position, especially considering the strained history between the two nations over recent years.

BRICS as a Platform for the Global South

Tharoor underscored the importance of BRICS as a platform for the Global South, highlighting that its 11 member states account for a significant proportion of the global population and nearly 41 per cent of global GDP. He noted that the presence of top leadership at the forthcoming summit illustrates India’s diplomatic reach.

However, he acknowledged the challenges in achieving consensus among BRICS members on critical global issues. He reflected on previous BRICS foreign ministers’ meetings where consensus on matters such as the Iran-Iraq conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war had not been attained.

Consequently, India’s chairing of the upcoming summit may result in a chairman’s declaration rather than a joint consensus, potentially perceived as a diplomatic setback. Tharoor positioned this summit as a test of India’s diplomatic capabilities, with the ability to maintain a balance between advancing the interests of the Global South and managing its trade dynamics.

Challenges in BRICS Trade Relations

Tharoor raised concerns regarding the trade dynamics within BRICS, noting an overall growth in commerce among member states, although sometimes at a disadvantage to India. He pointed out that Indian exports to BRICS countries have seen a decline while imports have risen.

He also referred to US legislation passed during Donald Trump’s presidency that threatens sanctions, which could jeopardise Indian goods in the US market if trade with Russia continues. Given this context, Tharoor proposed that India must examine how BRICS could facilitate the diversification of its export markets.

He also focused on how it could enhance communication channels to mitigate uncertainties in its relationships, especially with the US. The senior leader concluded that the summit would not only provide a platform to further the interests of the Global South but also challenge India’s diplomatic and trade strategies.

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