Emphasizing India’s steadfast engagement on the global stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his participation in the forthcoming BRICS Summit, set to unfold in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24, 2023. This decisive affirmation emerged following an insightful telephonic exchange between Prime Minister Modi and the esteemed South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The telephonic dialogue between these two eminent leaders took center stage subsequent to the unforeseen cancellation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated appearance at the BRICS Summit in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.
The approaching convening of the BRICS Summit assumes an elevated significance, distinctly underscored by the prevailing crisis in Ukraine. Anchored in the collective resolve to address consequential global matters, the leaders representing the BRICS nations are poised to delve into discussions that navigate the intricate interplay of regional dynamics with far-reaching global implications.
Foremost among the themes poised to shape the discourse is the issue of augmenting the BRICS membership. With both Russia and China proactively advocating for the expansion of this influential consortium, the summit is poised to serve as the crucible for weighing the merits of the applications submitted by approximately 25 countries seeking to join the BRICS fold.
In the backdrop of these high-stakes discussions, the telephonic parley between Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa traversed the gamut of bilateral matters. The conversation served as a salient reminder of the robust bilateral cooperation between India and South Africa, both commemorating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in the calendar year 2023.
The BRICS framework, notably enriched by the diverse perspectives of its member nations, stands as a remarkable testament to multilateralism in action. Amid China’s assertive positioning within the forum, India, alongside Brazil, assumes a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of this dynamic platform. As stalwart participants, these nations not only champion their viewpoints but also contribute substantively to the unfolding discourse, elucidating the nuances and contours of the BRICS agenda.
Beyond the core member states, the allure of BRICS transcends borders, enticing countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to express their intent to join this formidable alliance. The notion of expansion, encapsulating the aspirations of nearly 25 aspiring nations, will undoubtedly serve as a linchpin topic, commanding the spotlight throughout the course of the Johannesburg summit.
With the telephonic rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa resonating with shared values and interests, it is conceivable that an array of regional and global subjects captured their attention. This diplomatic dialogue could potentially encompass a broad spectrum of themes, echoing the resonance of the BRICS narrative and extending beyond its confines to the broader international context.
In a poignant testament to the depth of bilateral understanding and cooperation, President Ramaphosa voiced his wholehearted support for India’s endeavors as the current G-20 Presidency holder. His keen anticipation of participating in the forthcoming G-20 Summit on Indian soil is a reflection of the enduring camaraderie and shared aspirations that define the partnership between these two nations.