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BRICS Summit in Johannesburg: State Heads Have Arrived
State heads have arrived in Johannesburg for the BRICS Summit. Closer cooperation and sustainable growth will be at the forefront of the discussion. SABC News reports that the summit will cover numerous topics. There will be particular attention on a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The backdrop of the India-China border standoff began in May 2020. This issue adds a layer of significance to a possible meeting between Modi and Xi. The two leaders briefly interacted during the G20 summit in Bali last year. Still, a more extensive discussion on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit could mark a step towards resolving the border crisis.
India’s opposition leaders are concerned about alleged incursions by the Chinese Army along India’s northern border in Ladakh. While the Indian government denies these claims, it acknowledges the abnormal and tense relations between the two countries.
Also read: South Africa Asserts Neutrality Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts at BRICS Summit
The recent agreement between military leaders to restrict new military constructions along the border suggests a potential de-escalation of tensions. If a Modi-Xi meeting does occur, it could further reduce the strained atmosphere.
The BRICS Summit discussions come at a time when the grouping is contemplating expansion. Over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS. China and Russia support this move. India’s support is crucial for admitting new members, a move that could elevate BRICS’s global influence and position it as a counterbalance to the G7 nations.
Despite the current BRICS nations accounting for a significant portion of global GDP and population, the grouping is seen as underperforming regarding its potential influence. The summit will likely address trade, infrastructure development, and increased financing through the New Development Bank, commonly known as the BRICS Bank, to enhance its standing.
These agenda items align with India’s aspiration to lead the global south and elevate its international status. A potential shift in dynamics with China could significantly impact India’s global ambitions and potentially bolster BRICS’s international standing, positioning it as a more assertive economic powerhouse in the worldwide arena.
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