Kazan Summit: A Call for Dialogue and Diplomacy in a Divided World
In a world increasingly marked by conflict and division, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan resonated with a powerful message: dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to resolving conflicts. His remarks, particularly concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, underscored the importance of negotiations over military confrontation, reflecting a broader commitment to peaceful resolutions in international relations.
BRICS: A Platform for Global Cooperation
During his speech, Modi emphasized that BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—should not be perceived as a divisive entity but rather as a coalition dedicated to the welfare of humanity. He articulated a vision for BRICS as a diverse and inclusive platform capable of addressing pressing global issues, including wars, economic instability, climate change, and terrorism. "I believe that as a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can play a positive role in all areas," he stated, highlighting the group’s potential to guide the world toward a more secure and prosperous future.
The Need for Unified Global Efforts
Modi’s concerns extended beyond mere rhetoric; he called for unified global efforts to combat terrorism, insisting that there should be no "double standards" in addressing this critical issue. He stressed the necessity of collective action to counter terrorism and its financing, urging member nations to work together to prevent the radicalization of youth. "We need to take active steps to stop the radicalisation of youth in our countries," he emphasized, advocating for the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.
Addressing Cybersecurity and Global Governance
In an era where technology poses new challenges, Modi also highlighted the importance of developing global regulations for cybersecurity and ensuring the safe and secure use of artificial intelligence. He called for reforms in international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, to better reflect the current geopolitical landscape. "We must move forward in a time-bound manner on reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the WTO," he asserted, advocating for a BRICS that seeks to reform rather than replace existing global structures.
Acknowledging Global Challenges
The summit took place against a backdrop of numerous global uncertainties, including conflicts, adverse climatic conditions, and cyber threats. Modi pointed out that these challenges place heightened expectations on BRICS to act decisively. He noted the ongoing discussions about the North-South divide and the East-West divide, emphasizing the need for BRICS to prioritize inflation prevention and ensure food, energy, health, and water security for all nations. "At such a time, there are high expectations of BRICS," he remarked, reinforcing the group’s role as a beacon of hope in turbulent times.
Embracing Diversity and Consensus
Modi’s vision for BRICS is rooted in the principles of diversity, respect, and consensus. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to welcome new countries into the BRICS fold, emphasizing that all decisions should be made by consensus and that the views of founding members should be respected. "The guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures adopted during the Johannesburg summit should be complied with by all members and partner countries," he stated, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the decision-making process.
Conclusion: The Kazan Declaration
As the summit concluded, the leaders adopted the ‘Kazan Declaration,’ a document that encapsulates the collective aspirations of BRICS nations. Modi’s remarks throughout the summit reflected a deep commitment to fostering positive cooperation among diverse nations, emphasizing that the BRICS grouping is a source of inspiration for the world. "Our diversity, respect for each other, and our tradition of moving forward on the basis of consensus are the foundation of our cooperation," he concluded, leaving a resonant call for unity and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing the global community.
In a world fraught with division, the Kazan Summit served as a reminder of the potential for dialogue and diplomacy to pave the way for a more peaceful and cooperative future.