BRICS summit in Rio will focus on solutions for Global South
Ahead of the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, eminent diplomats and experts voiced optimism about a bigger role for BRICS in shaping an inclusive world order, and batted for streamlining the interests and aspirations of the Global South in BRIC+ agenda. Looking ahead, India, which will take over the BRICS gavel from Brazil, stressed on prioritising 'scalable, cooperative projects in areas of financial inclusion, bridging digital divide and clean energy. 'BRICS has to get its act together and find solutions for the Global South. This requires commitment, a lot of hard work, and to be able to look deep into those issues, into the future,' said Dammu Ravi, India's BRICS sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations) in India's Ministry of External Affairs. Ravi underlined India's growing stakes in shaping BRICS as both a development platform and a geopolitical force. 'We are not just participants — we are contributors to the very direction BRICS takes,' he noted. He emphasized that India's successful development models — particularly in poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and digital public infrastructure — should be viewed as templates for wider application across the Global South.
Ravi was speaking at a conference titled 'BRICS in Rio: Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable World Order,' at India International Centre in New Delhi on June 20. The conference was co-organised by the Embassy of Brazil in India and Centre for Global India Insights (CGII), a leading think tank focused on global affairs. Besides Ravi, Brazil's Ambassador to India Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, Indonesia Ambassador Ina Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi, Egypt's Ambassador Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal and FICCI Director General Ms Jyoti Vij also spoke at the conference. The conference, moderated by Manish Chand, CEO, CGII, focused on the role of BRICS in promoting sustainable solutions to challenges faced by the Global South in the context of the BRICS summit in Rio. 'In this conflicted world of egos and competing interests, we need robust multilateralism and consensus-building. And this is where expanding multilateral groupings like BRICS can play a pivotal role in infusing hope in despairing times and in offering viable solutions to cross-cutting challenges,' said Chand.
'The Rio summit will mark the ongoing ascendance of the Global South in the international arena. We hope that the upcoming Summit in Rio de Janeiro will be an opportunity to strengthen BRICS' role as a platform to voice the concerns and interests of the Global South,' he said. 'The expanded BRICS holds out the promise of reform of international institutions with inclusiveness, with the Global South exercising effective influence on its reconfiguration,' said Brazil's envoy Nobrega. 'Despite the mistaken impressions of some, BRICS is not working against anyone, but exclusively in favour of the sustainable development of its members, as well as for the reform of global governance institutions.'BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia with Indonesia joining in 2025. Alluding to a complex geopolitical environment, marked by increased polarization and distrust, the envoy underlined that the Brazilian presidency is seeking to update the work dynamics of the grouping while staying true to BRICS acquis and its gold standard: 'pragmatic, patient and inclusive consensus building.'The motto of Brazilian chairship is 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.' The summit will culminate in two high-level declarations on financing the climate change regime and the governance of artificial intelligence. Enhancing the use of national currencies in settling intra-BRICS trade figured prominently in discussions, with all panellists backing the proposal, which is already being implemented by BRICS countries. However, panelists found the idea of a BRICS common currency impractical. Mr Dammu Ravi clarified that discussions around a BRICS common currency are still at a very early stage. 'Today, for now, we are only looking at trade settlement in national currencies. Harmonization of fiscal and monetary policies is very, very difficult to achieve, he said. Expressing Russia's support for Brazil's BRICS presidency and its emphasis on enhancing cooperation among Global South nations, the Russian envoy commended efforts to diversify financial mechanisms, and backed expansion of the use of national currencies in intra-BRICS trade.
FICCI Secretary General Jyoti Vij outlined the role of BRICS Business Council in enhancing economic linkages among BRICS countries and underlined that the use of national currencies will greatly help businesses as it will help cut transaction costs. Accelerating reform of global governance institutions will figure prominently on the agenda of the BRICS summit in Rio. In this context,Indonesia's Ambassador Krisnamurthi called for better representation of the Global South in multilateral institutions. 'Right now, the Global South represents 85% of the world's population and 39% of global GDP. Yet multilateral institutions do not reflect this reality.'Outlining Cairo's vision for the upcoming Rio summit, the Egyptian ambassador emphasized the need to 'reform and strengthen the multilateral system in a way that reflects the evolving dynamics and rising role of developing countries.' 'We are keen that the group should focus on areas of cooperation that enjoy consensus, rather than divisive issues,' said the Egyptian envoy.The Russian envoy underlined BRICS' unity on terrorism. 'We issued a strong condemnation. That shows BRICS can speak with one voice on core issues,' he said while alluding to the grouping's response to terrorism, citing the April 22 Pahalgam attack in India. The grouping, he added, is evolving into a 'more comprehensive and more representative' platform with its latest round of expansion.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
12 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Modi's Namibia visit powers India's Africa strategy
In the wake of a closely watched BRICS summit in Brazil, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's maiden visit to Namibia on July 9 has captivated global attention, marking the culmination of a landmark five-nation state visit that included Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. The state visit, beginning in Ghana and ending in Namibia, underscores India's renewed commitment to Africa and the broader Global South framework. On the other hand, high-level cross-continental itinerary, spanning Latin America to Africa, highlights India's strategic intent to rekindle historic ties and build solidarity among Global South nations — especially at a time when the G77, the largest bloc of developing nations, is seen as increasingly irrelevant. PM Modi's State visit to sub-Saharan region is came at a time when several other western leaders were scheduled or expected to visit the sub-Saharan region. Around the same time, Washington is engaging the West African leaders and contemplating new ways to strengthen ties with Africa, unnerved by Chinese influence in the continent. Although India has historic ties with Namibia – there's a serious gap in State level visit and this heads of government level visit occurs after 27 years. Sam Nujoma, the leader of SWAPO (the party behind independence struggle) and founding president of Namibia, who visited India several times acknowledged India's help during the liberation process. While in Windhoek, Namibia, PM Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah tabled areas of cooperation such as agriculture, critical minerals, education, digital technology, defence and security, and health care. Earlier this year, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi began his State visit from Namibia — a nation with bilateral trade with China totalling approximately $1.4 billion. The BRI signatory nation is laying Trans-Kalahari Railway and several other infra and connectivity projects, mandating the One China Policy. China accounts about 30% of the nation's foreign trade. Although there's a sharp rise in India's bilateral trade with Namibia the is about $ 600 million. The two countries have pushed for the conclusion of Preferential Trade Agreement between India and South African Customs Union (SACU). Followed by this visit, the two nations are expected to work on boosting trade of items like oil and gas, hydrocarbons, petrol chemicals, crude digital health and critical minerals. The maiden visit of PM Modi to this uranium-rich Namibia was at a time when New Delhi is actively seeking to expand its uranium imports to support its growing nuclear energy drive. Namibia is largest producer of uranium in the world, and it has lithium, zinc, and some other rare earth metals to offer. India has announced plans to import at least 9,000 metric tonne units of uranium between 2025 and 2033 to supply new reactors under the National Nuclear Energy Mission. India has a plan to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047 and the low quality of its domestic reserves is part of a broader effort to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The nation has recently discovered oil and gas reserves, particularly in its offshore Orange Basin. India has a deep interest to explore collaboration in the sphere. The two nations have more to explore areas such as diamond trading. There's a serious issue in direct diamond trading between India and Namibia – Indian side is working to make a way for direct diamond trading. Currently, India sources diamonds from the region via intermediaries such as Dubai, London, or third countries. India and Namibia the two are aspiring nations in the reserving culture and promoting heritage. The Himba tribe in Namibia's Kunene has earned fame for preserving their traditional lifestyle, clothing, and beliefs, remaining unaffected by modern influences. During the visit of PM Modi, India and Namibia signed two MoUs on the setting up of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. Namibia also announced starting of a digital payment system by end of the year and entering to India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Bio Fuel Alliance. During his visit, PM Modi was conferred with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia's highest civilian award. There is also an interesting personal connection between Prime Minister Modi and Namibia: On September 17, 2022, his 72nd birthday, India welcomed its first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia, marking the historic return of the species to Kuno National Park after decades of local extinction. The release of these cheetahs was overseen by Modi. The nation deserves a very significant place – when India is forming Big Cat Alliance to save tigers. Uranium, critical minerals, digital payment and diamonds are poised to infuse new vitality into the bilateral relationship between New Delhi and Windhoek, illuminating the path for deeper cooperation. Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world but as the same time it is world's one of most arid countries, with just one per cent territory being arable. In the north of the nation, there's a culture of farming cowpea and millet. India and Namibia may find ways to bring result on irrigation, scarce water management and hybrid-agriculture. India is in a position to help Namibia for innovative agricultural practices to address food insecurity in sub-Saharan region. Under the leadership of first female President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who comes with her foreign ministerial experience the nation is vocal about a chair for Africa at the United Nations Security Council. As both nations look toward meaningful reforms in global governance, this visit has rekindled the bonhomie between New Delhi and Windhoek, laying the foundation for a partnership defined by shared ambition, and a commitment to the progress of the Global South. This article is authored by Ayanangsha Maitra, journalist and programme coordinator, Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South, UAE.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
MEA ‘nearly lost the plot' on Indus Treaty negotiations, says former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) nearly 'lost the plot' over the Indus Water Treaty talks with Pakistan in 2016, as senior MEA officials entered into a tussle with the World Bank, before the issue was retrieved — the claim is made by former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, India-appointed Executive Director at the World Bank (2014-2017), in his latest book, which recounts for the first time the tensions between the Modi government and World Bank President Jim Kim over the Kishenganga hydropower project. The point of contention was whether the World Bank, which has a limited role in guiding any disputes or differences between India and Pakistan, would decide to appoint the 'court of arbitration' Pakistan had asked for, or a 'neutral expert', as India wanted. After his controversial first book about his unceremonious exit from the Union Finance Ministry, Mr. Garg has now taken aim at the MEA in his new book, No, Minister: Navigating Power, Politics and Bureaucracy with a Steely Resolve, where he says he was sidelined during the initial stages of the Indus Water Treaty negotiations in 2016. He also claims that he was told to 'keep off the matter', and only attend meetings to be led by India's Deputy Chief of Mission Taranjit Sandhu (later the Ambassador to the U.S. before he retired and joined politics). '[However], by the middle of November, the MEA team was getting nervous. It was not able to nudge the World Bank team in the direction it wanted, i.e., to appoint a neutral expert and began to sense that the Bank was tilting towards Pakistan,' Mr. Garg wrote, in the chapter titled 'Bringing Indus Waters Arbitration Back From the Brink'. At this point, the book claims that Mr. Jaishankar made a visit to Washington and asked Mr. Garg to take charge of matters. Mr. Garg accepted the request, but insisted that no MEA official join the discussions, and even turned back then MEA Joint Secretary Gopal Baglay (now India's High Commissioner to Australia) from the meeting with Mr. Kim, although he had travelled non-stop for 20 hours to reach Washington. According to Mr. Garg, it was his own intervention, in a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Kim, that eventually helped ensure a neutral expert, Ian Solomon, was appointed, after the World Bank accepted Pakistan's demand for a court of arbitration at The Hague. The MEA did not respond to a request for comments on Mr. Garg's claims. The Hindu also reached out to Mr. Sandhu and Mr. Baglay for a comment, and they did not respond to or deny the claims. In Washington, World Bank officials privy to the negotiations confirmed the tussle between the World Bank and the Indian government, but said they could not comment on whether it was Mr. Garg's meeting with the World Bank chief or other interventions that eventually changed the course of events. The World Bank first ruled that having a neutral expert and court together could lead to 'contradictory outcomes'. However, subsequently, it facilitated the setting up of both an expert as well as a Chairperson to the Court of Arbitration. India has refused to attend the proceedings in the Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Pakistan has maintained that it is working within the terms of the treaty, whereas India says the treaty does not allow such parallel dispute mechanisms. When asked by The Hindu, Mr. Garg said this should not have been an 'institutional turf battle', and that he did not want India's case to be 'compromised' even as the World Bank, the U.S. and the U.K. had gone ahead with appointing experts to take the Pakistan application for arbitration forward. Allowing Pakistan's diplomats to continue the process unchallenged would have an impact on other negotiations, he added. After the Pahalgam terror attacks in April this year, India has decided to 'suspend' the Indus Water Treaty, but some of the book's revelations are significant for future decisions on similar issues. The book recounts Pakistan's campaign against the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu-Kashmir; India's objections to the International Monetary Fund/World Bank funding of the Gulpur hydropower project in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir; and China's objections in 2010 to multilateral funding for a hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh, leading Mr. Garg to conclude that the government and the World Bank needed better communication between themselves. Mr. Garg also pointed out that Mr. Kim and Mr. Modi had a good relationship, and Mr. Kim's plan to fund schemes for 'stunted' or malnourished children had not gone down well with Mr. Modi. In Parliament this week, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development said that about 37% of children under five years registered on their tracker were found to be stunted. 'I believe India's approach of not fine-tuning its stance in line with World Bank policies has harmed its own interests more than serving it,' Mr. Garg, who moved to India as Economic Affairs Secretary after his tenure at the World Bank ended, said. Differences with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led to his transfer as Secretary in the Union Ministry of Power in August 2019. He applied for voluntary retirement that same day, and retired after serving the mandatory notice period on October 31, 2019. (With inputs from Jacob Koshy and T.C.A. Sharad Raghavan in New Delhi.)
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
'Preparing to leave for the task': CRPF commandos to return to Libya; will secure Indian embassy in Tripoli
Representational image NEW DELHI: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will soon redeploy a team of commandos to Libya to protect the Indian embassy in the African nation's capital Tripoli, CRPF Director General Gyandendra Pratap Singh announced on Sunday. The embassy had reopened in July last year after being shut for five years due to civil unrest in the country. Speaking on the force's 87th Raising Day in New Delhi, Singh said the team is preparing for deployment, similar to the CRPF unit currently securing the Indian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. India had withdrawn its embassy staff and CRPF security personnel from Tripoli in April 2019 amid a "sudden escalation" in violence during the Libyan civil war. The embassy's functions were shifted to Tunisia, and later to Malta. "About 40 commandos led by a deputy commandant-rank officer will take charge at Tripoli after due clearances are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs," sources told news agency PTI. Libya has remained politically unstable since the 2011 fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with the country divided between rival factions controlling the east and west. Back in 2014, India had repatriated around 3,800 of its nationals from Libya, including six kidnapped by ISIS.
