By Dr AK Srivastava
BRICS must provide a united and clear voice in shaping a peaceful, balanced and stable world. We must harness each other’s strengths, in knowledge, skills and resources. – Narendra Modi
Initially BRICS comprised only Brazil, Russia, China and India and had its origin in 2006 when the foreign ministers of these countries met in New York. In 2010, South Africa also joined the group. But today we have eleven members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The objective of this organisation is to promote economic and financial cooperation, address political issues and security concerns with mutual help and trust. The association has become more relevant and meaningful in the present social political, economic scenario of the world when security concerns are of prime significance as the world is witnessing two endless wars causing no good to humanity.
BRICS is wisely taking up other important issues like terrorism, climate change, food and energy security and agriculture growth, etc. So far, BRICS summits have taken place eighteen times and India has hosted the summit three times. Now we are going to host it the fourth time.
This year the theme of the BRICS summit is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The summit wishes to strengthen economic and social cooperation, leading to minimum supply chain disruption, maximum health benefits and best protection to climate. The issues related to improvement in infrastructure, use of AI in diverse fields will be discussed with prime concern. All reforms should be people-centric leading to sustainable development.
We know that the world is witnessing terrible turmoil due to two wars that have caused immense loss of lives and infrastructure. This issue would be on the table most of the time. Our PM has repeatedly stated that it is not the time for war; it is time for peace and progress. His concept of “Humanity First” will be the focus of attention.
The meeting of three top world leaders —Putin, Modi and Xi Jinping will definitely attract attention of the world leaders of all continents including America. Similarly, the arrival of the President of Iran is another focus of attraction. The leaders will take up global as well as bilateral issues in their meetings. PM Modi is also expected to hold one to one meetings with President Putin and President Xi Jinping.
PM Modi has made it very clear that India has no intentions to damage or harm the interest of any nation and this summit is for peace, prosperity, progress of its member nations. He confirmed that India follows the policy of Non-Alignment and wishes to work for international peace and tranquillity.
The venue for this summit is Bharat Mandapam. The Government of India has made very elaborate security arrangements for the delegates. Display of lavish hospitality and Indian traditions and culture values will certainly enthral the visitors.
Let us hope that the summit is very successful and meets the expectations of all nations in the group.
“The fast growing markets – the BRICS and Next Eleven – are the key. The next billion consumers are not going to come from the US or Western Europe – they are coming from Asia, Latin America and Africa. Formula One follows our strategy: fast growing markets, data, and digital. All those three things Formula One has. And it involves a stunning array of companies. Now that doesn’t mean there can’t be more. – Martin Sorrell
(Dr AK Srivastava is Principal, DAV Inter College, Dehradun.)
