Role of BRICS in India-China Border Stand-offs
BRICS summits have played a crucial role in defusing India-China border tensions. The 2017 Doklam standoff ended after China realized the importance of the BRICS summit, resulting in troop withdrawal. More recently, tensions in the eastern LoAC sector were addressed through diplomatic channels encouraged by BRICS, leading to talks between military commanders.
Strategic Importance of BRICS for China
- China views BRICS as a strategic platform to counter Western influence.
- During the 2020 Galwan clash, the postponed BRICS summit highlighted China's preference to avoid border conflicts that might overshadow its global strategy.
- BRICS provides China with a diplomatic venue to project its power and negotiate with global powers like the US.
India's Strategic Use of BRICS
For India, BRICS serves as a platform to manage its undemarcated boundary issues with China while engaging in broader strategic dialogues. It is a tool for balancing relations with China and advancing India's regional and global interests.
- The forum provides diplomatic cover for India as it enhances its border infrastructure.
- India can use BRICS to engage economically with the Eurasian region without aligning against Western interests.
BRICS and International Dynamics
- BRICS and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) offer strategic insurance amidst global uncertainties.
- Despite challenges, including its growing membership, BRICS remains a crucial tool for power balance.
- BRICS allows India to navigate complex international relationships, maintaining ties with both Western and Eastern blocs.
Economic and Political Implications
- BRICS enables India to engage in economic discussions with diverse regions, avoiding entanglement in geopolitical conflicts.
- India actively balances its participation in BRICS with engagements like G7, Quad, and FTAs with the EU.
- The grouping's flexibility is evident from India's ability to secure a summit outcome document amid regional crises.
In conclusion, BRICS, by facilitating diplomacy and economic engagements, plays a vital role in global realpolitik, helping countries like India and China navigate complex international landscapes without isolating themselves from either Eastern or Western blocs.
