In a significant development on the global stage, India has once again demonstrated its diplomatic prowess during the BRICS summit held in New Delhi, while the issuance of a joint declaration on the very first day of the summit is being viewed as a major victory for Indian diplomacy. This sentiment has been echoed by international experts, including prominent American analysts who have closely monitored the proceedings. Michael Kugelman, a well-known South Asia analyst based in the United States, has described the New Delhi Declaration as a substantial diplomatic success for India, highlighting the complex environment in which this consensus was achieved.
A Difficult Path to Consensus
According to Michael Kugelman, the achievement of a joint statement is particularly noteworthy given the difficulties faced earlier this year. He pointed out that during the BRICS Foreign Minister-level meeting held months ago, it wasn't possible to reach an agreement on a joint statement. This previous failure had cast a shadow of doubt over the possibility of a shared declaration during the main summit. Kugelman remarked that it was truly a difficult task to bring all member nations onto the same page, while the fact that India, under its chairmanship, managed to navigate these challenges and secure a declaration signed by the top leaders of the member countries is a testament to its diplomatic capabilities.
Navigating Global Challenges
The analyst further elaborated on the various hurdles India had to overcome to reach this point. He mentioned that India faced several challenges, including issues related to the war in Iran and the complexities surrounding United States policies. Kugelman had previously indicated that handling the issue of the war in Iran and managing the dynamics of US policies would be significant obstacles for India. However, the successful issuance of the declaration suggests that India was able to balance these competing interests effectively. He noted that while the initial parts of the declaration largely reiterated the core principles of BRICS, which was expected and supported by all members, the overall achievement remains significant.
Potential Friction with the US Administration
While the declaration is a win for India, Kugelman suggested that certain elements within the document might not be well-received by the US administration. Specifically, the mention of disruptions in the global trade system, along with references to US tariffs and sanctions, could cause some unhappiness in Washington. The declaration's focus on the shocks felt by the global trade system and the explicit mention of American tariffs and sanctions are points that the US administration may view with concern, while despite this, the declaration stands as a firm statement of the collective stance of the BRICS nations on these critical economic issues.
Commitment to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication
The BRICS leaders used the platform to reaffirm their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They pledged to work tirelessly towards achieving its far-reaching, people-centric goals and objectives in a balanced manner, while a key highlight of the declaration was the emphasis on the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty. The leaders identified this as the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The declaration stated that the members recognize the importance of advancing the 2030 Agenda in an innovative, coordinated, environment-friendly, open, and shared manner, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of society.