Vladimir Putin's participation in South Africa summit in August overshadows Foreign Ministers' BRICS agenda

New Delhi: The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) meeting held in Cape Town faced overshadowing concerns as the potential participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in a summit scheduled for August in South Africa became a subject of intense scrutiny. Speculations arose regarding the possibility of Putin's arrest if he attended the summit, casting a shadow over the BRICS agenda.

Several media reports suggested that South Africa was contemplating relocating the upcoming BRICS leaders' summit to another country, a decision that would alleviate the country's dilemma over whether to execute an international arrest warrant for Putin.

Naledi Pandor, South Africa's foreign minister, acknowledged that her country was exploring alternative options if Putin, who faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes if he participated in the planned BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, Dr S Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, emphasized the need for serious and collective engagement among BRICS nations on key contemporary issues. Delivering his opening remarks, Jaishankar conveyed a resolute message that the world is witnessing a shift towards multipolarity and that traditional approaches are inadequate to address the present challenges. He also highlighted the mounting stresses arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and economic distress faced by the Global South.

Jaishankar urged BRICS members to demonstrate sincerity in reforming global decision-making structures, including the United Nations Security Council, which has long been a subject of calls for reform. He emphasized that economic concentration, which leaves many nations vulnerable to the control of a few, lies at the heart of the problems faced by the international community. Recent experiences, such as those related to health, energy, and food security, have only underscored the fragility of this situation.

Addressing the concerns of the Global South, Jaishankar stated, "India undertook the Voice of the Global South exercise to place these issues before the G20. We urge that BRICS give it particular consideration and promote the economic decentralization that is so essential to political democratization."

Furthermore, Jaishankar drew attention to the significant threat posed by terrorism to international peace and security. He called for resolute action against terrorism in all its forms, including addressing its financing and propaganda, emphasizing that it should never be condoned under any circumstances.

The BRICS summit also dedicated substantial attention to comprehensive institutional development. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction over the increasing interest in the BRICS grouping, which reflects its growing influence. He acknowledged the far-reaching consequences of the decisions made by the member nations and emphasized the need to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the future.

Today, Jaishankar is scheduled to participate in a meeting with fifteen Foreign Ministers from Africa and the Global South, known as the "Friends of BRICS" meeting, held on June 2, 2023. On the sidelines of the summit, Jaishankar held meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his African counterpart, Naledi Pandor.

South Africa assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2023, succeeding China. BRICS is an emerging-market bloc that encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Following the summit, Jaishankar will embark on a visit to Namibia from June 4-6, 2023. This will be the first visit by an Indian Minister of External Affairs to the Republic of Namibia. During the visit, Jaishankar will hold meetings with the country's top leadership and various government ministers and the Indian diaspora. The visit to South Africa and Namibia is expected to further strengthen India's relations with Namibia.