What’s the news?

• The 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg recently made headlines with its announcement to expand its membership.

Central idea

• Originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has now doubled its membership by welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While some anticipated that this expansion would transform BRICS into an anti-Western platform, the reality appears to be different.

BRICS expansion and political compromises

• Expansion Initiated by China: China took the lead in pushing for the expansion of BRICS, which was originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This initiative was supported by Russia.

• Initial Reservations from India and Brazil: At the outset, India and Brazil expressed reservations about expanding BRICS. Their concerns revolved around the potential for BRICS to become an overtly anti-Western platform.
• Concerns About China’s Dominance: India, in particular, was cautious about further empowering China within the group. It was wary of an expanded membership that might add more clout to an already dominant China.
• Selection Reflects Political Compromises: The choice of new members, which includes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, appears to be driven more by political compromise than by the application of specific, agreed-upon criteria.
• New Members’ Relationship with the West: Notably, the new members, with the exception of Iran, have significant stakes in their relationships with Western countries. This indicates that BRICS’ expansion may not have transformed it into an explicitly anti-Western alliance.
• Balancing Act: The expansion of BRICS seems to be a balancing act, seeking to accommodate the interests and concerns of both original and new members. It aims to maintain the group’s unity and relevance on the global stage.

Why are countries from the Global South interested in joining the BRICS?

• Hedging Against Uncertainty: Global South countries are joining BRICS as a means of hedging against an increasingly uncertain world marked by shifting political and security dynamics. They seek to strengthen their position in the face of unpredictable global events and challenges.
• Vulnerability to Sanctions: Many of these countries are concerned about their vulnerability to sanctions, particularly from the United States. For example, U.S. sanctions froze a significant part of Russia’s foreign exchange reserves, which raised anxieties among Global South countries about their own vulnerability to such measures.
• Expectation of an Alternative Global Currency: Some Global South countries may have expectations that BRICS, with China as a prominent member, could lead a shift toward an alternative global currency.
• Promotion of Local Currencies: BRICS has been actively promoting the use of local currencies for trade settlement and the raising of funds through local currency bonds. These efforts are seen as modest yet useful steps in reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar.
• Development Finance: BRICS has established the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which has provided development finance for developing countries. Global South countries may see this as an opportunity to access financing for their development projects.
• Demand for Greater Global Governance Voice: There is growing frustration among Global South countries that their interests and aspirations continue to be ignored by dominant Western powers in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank.

BRICS’ role in a changing world

• Economic and Technological Advancements: BRICS, comprising major emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has witnessed significant economic growth, technological advancement, and military capabilities. This positions BRICS as substantial global players.
• Not a Gathering of the Weak: Unlike earlier groupings of weaker nations, BRICS represents countries with substantial global influence and capabilities.
• Energy Superpower: BRICS, with members like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, has the potential to become a significant energy superpower, dominating the global energy market.
• Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the G7, BRICS lacks a common ideological affinity, with member countries having diverse political systems, economic models, and foreign policy priorities.
• Shorter History: BRICS is a relatively young group compared to the G7, which means it is still evolving in terms of its objectives, mechanisms, and institutional frameworks.

Challenges and differences within the BRICS grouping

• Diverse Interests and Priorities: BRICS is composed of countries with varying geopolitical priorities, economic structures, and foreign policy objectives. These differences can pose challenges when trying to reach consensus on collective goals and initiatives.
• Internal Contestations: The existence of internal contestations and differences among BRICS member countries is evident. For example, the India-China rivalry is an example of such internal dynamics. These differences can impact the group’s cohesion and decision-making.
• Lack of Common Security Perspective: Unlike the G7, which is a tightly knit security grouping, BRICS countries do not share a common security perspective. They have varying security interests and priorities, which can make it challenging to coordinate on security-related matters.

A Way Forward: Towards Collaborative Global Governance

• Acknowledging Current Challenges: To move forward, it’s essential to acknowledge the existing challenges in the international order. Recognize that the world is facing significant global issues, from climate change to economic disparities, that require collective action.
• Equal Participation: Encourage equal participation and representation of all countries, including emerging powers, in discussions and decision-making processes. Recognize that the global landscape has evolved and that the voices of emerging powers are essential in shaping the future.
• Engagement and Dialogue: Promote open and constructive engagement between Western countries, such as those in the G7, and emerging powers, including BRICS nations. Foster dialogue that seeks common ground while respecting diverse perspectives.
• Reform Existing Institutions: Consider reforms in existing international institutions like the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Ensure that these institutions are more inclusive and responsive to the needs and concerns of all nations.
• Utilize Forums like the G20: Leverage platforms like the G20, which bring together both advanced and emerging economies, to facilitate discussions and negotiations on global governance. Use these forums as spaces for collaborative problem-solving.

Conclusion

• For India, participating in multiple groupings, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Quad, and regular engagement with the G7, offers a strategic approach to addressing its multifaceted interests and aspirations. As BRICS expands its influence, it is essential for India to continue pursuing this nuanced approach to global governance.

Also read:

The implications of the expansion of BRICS

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

What’s the news?

• In a historic development, global leaders, including the Prime Minister of India, the President of the United States, the Chancellor of Germany, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of the UAE, the Prime Minister of Italy, and the President of the EU, came together at a global summit in New Delhi on September 10 to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Central idea

• The ancient Red Sea route, dating back to the Common Era, once connected distant civilizations, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. IMEC, a recently established trade corridor, is poised to reshape global trade dynamics. It envisions reliable and cost-effective transport connectivity to accelerate the development and integration of Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.

What is IMEC?

• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is an economic initiative aimed at creating a strategic trade and transportation corridor that connects India with the Middle East and Europe.
• It was established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the leaders of India, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy, and the EU on September 10 in New Delhi.
• IMEC envisions the development of a reliable and cost-effective transport network, including railways and ship-to-rail transit, to facilitate the movement of goods and services between India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union (EU).
• It seeks to offer an alternative route for trade between Asia and Europe, reducing transit times and logistics costs compared to existing maritime routes like the Suez Canal.

Historic significance

• Ancient Trade Routes: IMEC harkens back to the historic trade routes of the ancient world, particularly the Red Sea route that dates back to the beginning of the Common Era. This route facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between distant civilizations. IMEC, in its modern form, symbolizes a contemporary effort to reestablish a similar corridor.
• India’s Historic Role: The corridor’s historical significance for India is notable. In ancient times, India was at the heart of important trade routes, connecting it to regions as far away as Rome. IMEC reaffirms India’s role as a pivotal player in regional and global trade, reminiscent of its historical significance in trade networks.
• Geopolitical Importance: Throughout history, regions at the crossroads of trade routes have held significant geopolitical clout. IMEC’s establishment underscores the contemporary geopolitical importance of the regions it connects, particularly India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Significance of IMEC

• Historical Revival: IMEC revives ancient trade routes, particularly the Red Sea route, dating back to the Common Era. It reconnects regions and rekindles the spirit of historical trade.
• Geopolitical Clout: IMEC’s establishment gathered leaders from India, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy, and the EU. This underscores its geopolitical significance, positioning these regions as pivotal players in global trade.
• Economic Growth: IMEC is expected to boost economic cooperation and trade among its participating nations, leading to economic growth and development.
• Connectivity and Integration: The corridor aims to restore and enhance connectivity between regions with historical ties, creating a cohesive economic and trade network spanning Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.

Potential of IMEC to Reshape Global Trade

• Shorter Routes: IMEC offers shorter and more cost-effective trade routes compared to the congested Suez Canal and Mediterranean routes. This can significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs for global trade.
• Multimodal Connectivity: IMEC envisions a reliable railway and ship-to-rail transit network, complementing existing maritime and road routes. This multimodal connectivity enhances trade efficiency and reliability.
• Regional Trade Boost: IMEC enhances regional trade by connecting major ports and facilitating the movement of goods between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the EU. This fosters regional economic integration.
• Standard Gauge Infrastructure: IMEC’s adoption of a standard gauge throughout the corridor eliminates the need for gauge changes, ensuring smoother and more efficient transportation of goods.

Challenges thet IMEC Must Overcome

• Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary rail links, terminals, and inland container depots (ICDs) at major Gulf and Mediterranean ports is a complex and extensive endeavor.
• Cross-Border Connectivity: Ensuring seamless connectivity across borders, especially in the Middle East, demands cooperation between multiple countries. This includes extending rail networks from the Gulf to Israel through Jordan.
• Environmental Considerations: IMEC’s commitment to green and sustainable growth involves addressing environmental challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Coordination and Financing: Coordination among participating countries and securing financing are crucial to overcome financial barriers and ensure the corridor’s viability.

Conclusion

• IMEC marks a historic moment for India and its partners, offering incredible potential for regional and global growth. As a catalyst for collective growth, global cooperation, and connectivity, IMEC embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, benefiting millions across continents. This corridor’s establishment is just the beginning of a new era of global economic collaboration and shared prosperity.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

What’s the news?

• India Shines at the G-20 Summit, Champions Multilateralism and Multipolarity

Central idea

• The recent G-20 summit held in India, especially the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), has reaffirmed the vitality of multilateralism on the global stage. Despite challenges, India’s diplomatic efforts, rooted in its principles of multilateralism, multipolarity, and the middle way, bore fruit at the summit.

“In a world that often resembles a dysfunctional global family, India’s diplomatic approach at the G-20 serves as a beacon of hope for effective global governance.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Multilateralism: The Key Driver

• Concessions for Consensus:

• The commitment to uphold multilateralism was pivotal in achieving consensus at the G-20. The Western bloc, including G-7 countries, the European Union, and allies like Australia and South Korea, made significant concessions by agreeing to omit direct references to Russia in paragraphs concerning the Ukraine conflict.
• This collaborative approach was driven by the shared goal of preserving the G-20 as a crucial platform for global cooperation.

• Preservation of the G-20:

• The absence of a joint declaration would have cast doubt on the G-20’s future, potentially leading to fragmentation into distinct blocs, including the G-7 and BRICS.
• The G-7 and BRICS had already expressed their positions on the Ukraine conflict. Thus, achieving consensus at the G-20 reinforced its relevance as a forum encompassing diverse perspectives.

• Role of Developing Nations:

• The Troika-Plus, consisting of Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, all of which are hosting or future hosts of the G-20, played a crucial role in formulating a winning approach to the Ukraine issue.
• This highlighted the multilateral heft of emerging economies and their contribution to consensus-building.

India’s Support for a Multipolar World

• India’s Advocacy: India’s consistent support for a multipolar world order stood out at the G-20. In a world where the U.S. pursued unipolarity, China aimed for bipolarity, and India championed multipolarity, India’s stance gained prominence.
• Global Shifts:

• The recent history of international relations saw the U.S. temporarily withdraw from various multilateral agreements and organizations during the Trump era, causing concern about a potential decline in U.S. global leadership.
• China’s rapid ascent brought both influence and unease due to its actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and aggressive behavior toward neighboring countries, including India.

• The Rise of the Global South:

• The Global South, comprising over 125 countries, emerged as a potent voice in global affairs. Despite disparities in wealth, the Global South’s collective influence reshaped global priorities in areas such as development, climate change, health, and digital access.
• India’s active involvement with the Global South, including its membership in the African Union, bolstered its position at the G-20.

The Middle Way: A Key to India’s Diplomatic Success

• India’s Tradition:

• India’s diplomatic success at the G-20 can be attributed to its long-standing tradition of eschewing alliances and pursuing a middle path in global disputes.
• This approach sometimes requires making compromises, such as maintaining ties with Russia and not inviting Ukraine’s president to address the G-20.
• However, it positions India as a bridge between the Global South and North, East and West.

• A Balancing Act: In a polarized world, the role of bridging divides is indispensable. India’s ability to balance between diverse interests makes it a valuable mediator and consensus-builder on the global stage.

Conclusion

• The G-20 summit in India exemplified the enduring importance of multilateralism, multipolarity, and the middle way in diplomacy. India’s success in fostering consensus and maintaining the unity of the G-20 underscores the significance of these principles in addressing global challenges.

Also read:

India’s G20 Presidency: Embracing Inclusivity, Ambition, and Action

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Central idea

• Relations between India and Canada have reached a new low, with allegations of Canadian leniency towards Khalistani supporters and accusations of India’s involvement in a recent killing. This isn’t a recent issue but a longstanding tension that dates back to the mid-20th century. The modern-day discord between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Khalistani extremism has exacerbated these historical strains.

Historical Roots of Khalistan Movement in Canada

• Establishment of Khalistan Office: Surjan Singh Gill established the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver in 1982, issuing Khalistani passports and currency.
• Militancy’s Impact: The militancy in Punjab in the early 1980s had repercussions in Canada, leading to the emergence of organizations like the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), the Babbar Khalsa, and the World Sikh Organisation.
• Air India Kanishka Bombing: The Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka in 1985, resulting in 331 civilian deaths.

Recent Developments

• Strained Relations: Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated due to Canada’s alleged leniency toward Khalistani supporters. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, in Surrey in June.
• Tensions Over Khalistan: Tensions related to Khalistan extremism have been ongoing for years, with Trudeau’s appointment of Sikh ministers in 2015 sparking controversy and accusations of his proximity to Khalistan sympathizers.
• Incidents Fueling Tensions: Various incidents, such as the refusal of meetings by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Trudeau’s cool reception during his India visit, have exacerbated the India-Canada rift.
• Report on Sikh Extremism: Canada released a report in 2018 mentioning ‘Sikh extremism’ and Khalistan as threats, but later revised the report, removing these references, which caused further strain.
• Alliance with NDP: In March 2022, Trudeau’s Liberal Party formed an alliance with the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, who openly endorsed the Khalistan Referendum on Canadian soil.
• G20 Summit Concerns: During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, PM Modi expressed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

Sikh Community’s Influence

• Political Influence: Canada’s Sikh community, constituting approximately 2 percent of the population, has gained significant political influence. This is evident through the election of Sikh Members of Parliament and their active involvement in Canadian politics.
• Representation in Canadian Parliament: Sikh Canadians have been elected to important political positions, including Members of Parliament. In 2019, there were 18 Sikh MPs in the Canadian parliament, surpassing the number of Sikh MPs in India.
• Cultural Impact: Sikh festivals, notably Vaisakhi, are widely celebrated in Canada and have become integral to the country’s multicultural tapestry.
• Social Activism: Sikh organizations in Canada are known for their social and humanitarian initiatives, including providing free meals (langar) to those in need. This commitment to community welfare is a notable aspect of their influence.
• Business and Economic Contributions: Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions to Canada’s business and economic landscape, with many Sikh-owned businesses playing key roles in the country’s economy.

Changing Political Landscape

• Varied Responses: Canada’s stance on the Khalistan movement has shifted over the years, with some governments engaging with Khalistanis while others sought reconciliation with India.
• Strong Relations under Stephen Harper: During Stephen Harper’s tenure as Canadian PM, Canada and India enjoyed strong relations, marked by high-level visits and agreements.
• Efforts at Reconciliation: Both the Modi and Harper governments initially made efforts toward reconciliation, including removing individuals from blacklists and engaging with radicals.

Consequences and Perspectives

• Impact on Bilateral Relations: The tensions related to Khalistan have strained India-Canada bilateral relations, affecting diplomatic interactions and cooperation in various areas such as trade, counter-terrorism, and education.
• Security Concerns: Both countries have expressed concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremists on their respective soils, which have led to heightened security measures and intelligence sharing.
• Asylum Claims: The increase in asylum claims by Indian nationals in Canada, particularly from Punjab, is seen as a consequence of the Khalistan-related tensions. This has created a complex immigration challenge for Canadian authorities.
• Shift in Focus: The article suggests that Canada’s focus on Khalistan has sometimes overshadowed other important aspects of the bilateral relationship, potentially hampering broader cooperation.
• Changing Perceptions: The research paper mentioned in the article indicates that interest in the Khalistan movement in Canada is waning, especially among younger generations. This shift in perceptions could impact the future of the movement.

Way Forward

• Diplomatic Engagement: The way forward in resolving the tensions related to Khalistan may involve sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue between India and Canada to address each other’s concerns and find common ground.
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both countries can enhance their cooperation on counter-terrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement efforts to counter any extremist activities effectively.
• Community Outreach: Canadian authorities can engage with the Sikh community to better understand their concerns and perspectives while ensuring that Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity is respected.
• Balanced Foreign Policy: Canada can aim for a balanced foreign policy that addresses the aspirations of its Sikh community while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with India, a significant global partner.
• Promotion of Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and understanding among different communities and advocacy groups within Canada can contribute to peaceful coexistence and reduce tensions related to Khalistan.
• Addressing Root Causes: Exploring the root causes of extremism and radicalization within the Sikh community and working together to address them can be a proactive step toward preventing future tensions.

Conclusion

• The enduring strain in India-Canada relations over Khalistan remains a complex issue rooted in historical events and contemporary political dynamics. Resolving these tensions will require nuanced diplomacy and a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of the Khalistan movement within Canada.

Also read:

Khalistani Movement in Canada

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now