Shadow Diplomacy: What India’s BRICS Meeting Reveals About Global Politics

The BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, currently underway, is a stark reminder of the shifting power dynamics in global politics. As Iran marks its 76th day of war, the gathering aims to stabilize the bloc and pave the way for the 18th BRICS summit in September.

India’s precarious position as a mediator between major world powers becomes clear when considering the country’s historical friendship with the Soviet Union and its current close relationship with Washington. This balancing act is fraught with risks, especially given India’s own interests in maintaining good relations with both Iran and the UAE.

The BRICS grouping has evolved from its initial form as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in 2006 to include South Africa and several other emerging economies. The addition of new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, marks a significant expansion of the bloc’s influence.

However, this growth has also brought new challenges, as seen in the tense discussions on how to address the US-Israel war on Iran. Tehran accuses Abu Dhabi of supporting Washington’s policies, exacerbating tensions between India and Iran.

The meeting’s theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” is a nod to India’s commitment to global health collaborations. However, it’s unlikely that the discussion will focus solely on pressing health challenges when the ongoing war in Iran casts a long shadow over the gathering.

Despite China’s absence at the meeting – Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not attend due to his country’s diplomatic obligations in Beijing – Beijing’s influence remains palpable. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong is expected to represent China, and it’s likely that Beijing will use this opportunity to strengthen its ties with New Delhi.

The April BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers meeting ended without a joint statement, highlighting the complexities of navigating this delicate geopolitical landscape. Expert commentary suggests that the BRICS meeting may not be as effective in resolving global conflicts as some might hope. Michael Dunford, emeritus professor at the University of Sussex, notes that “the meeting in India occurs at a difficult time,” pointing to India’s strained relationships with key regional players.

As we look ahead to the 18th BRICS summit in September, one thing is clear: global politics have never been more complex or volatile. India’s efforts to mediate between major world powers will be closely watched, but it remains unclear whether New Delhi can succeed in its mission.

The consequences of the BRICS meeting extend far beyond India’s borders, with implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and global governance. The success of the BRICS meeting will depend on India’s ability to navigate these treacherous waters without alienating its key partners.

Ultimately, only time will tell if this attempt at diplomacy will yield lasting results or merely add another chapter to the complex story of global politics.