Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming trip to Russia for the BRICS summit, highlighting the opportunity for him to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and share insights on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Modi is scheduled to visit Russia from October 22-23 at the invitation of Putin, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
This visit comes after Modi’s trip to Russia in June, shortly after he was re-elected for a third term, and his subsequent visit to Ukraine the following month. India has stressed the importance of genuine and practical dialogue among all involved parties to develop innovative solutions that can gain broad acceptance and contribute to the restoration of peace in Ukraine, which has been in conflict since February 2022. India has also expressed its readiness to assist in any way to facilitate a swift return to peace.
Insights on Ukraine Conflict
Speaking to ANI, Sachdev noted, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the BRICS summit can turn out to be something very interesting. One, of course, the PM will be participating in the BRICS platform, wherein all BRICS countries are there. The various agendas of BRICS countries will be discussed. But apart from that, there are two bilaterals, which are very interesting to see.” He further elaborated that a bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin is expected, making it particularly crucial since Modi had recently proposed that India take a proactive role in addressing the Ukraine conflict. After meeting with Putin, Modi also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Sachdev explained that since this meeting occurs after Modi’s discussions with Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden, he may be able to share insights from those discussions with Putin, potentially suggesting a “viable middle path” for the ongoing conflict. He stated, “Prime Minister has completed a circle of meeting other world leaders, and now back to Putin… So this will be a time, when Putin and PM Modi will discuss a Ukraine formula, whereas India is in a situation to push it.”
Potential China-India Dialogue
When asked about the possibility of a meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sachdev remarked that if such a meeting takes place, it would indicate a thawing in China-India relations. Conversely, if no meeting occurs, it would suggest that tensions between the two nations remain unresolved. He said, “If that bilateral happens, then it certainly means that China-India relations are somewhat starting to get back on track. If that bilateral does not happen, then means that China-India relations will continue to in a certain frozen conflict, one could say, for the time to come.”
BRICS and Global Dynamics
Sachdev pointed out that the West and NATO will closely monitor the BRICS Summit, as it is emerging as a counterbalance to Western influence, particularly with Russia and Iran as its members. He noted, “The West and NATO will definitely be keeping a very close eye on this visit by Prime Minister Modi… BRICS, though not an anti-West bloc, but it definitely has countries which are in the anti-West bloc.” He added that India has the potential to bridge the gap between the West and BRICS.
Canada-India Relations
Regarding the ongoing tensions between India and Canada, Sachdev commented that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leveraging the Nijjar case to divert attention from his domestic challenges, particularly allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections. He stated, “Trudeau’s foreign policy has been… an absolute failure… What Trudeau did, he took a conscious decision to amplify the Nijjar case in order to deflect attention from his own failures on China Gate.”
U.S. Involvement in the Dispute
Sachdev also mentioned the United States’ involvement in the Nijjar case, given the intelligence-sharing agreement among the “Five Eyes” alliance, which includes Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand. He explained, “US is very much involved in this matter… The US is closely observing the case… But America does not want to mess up relations with India.”
BRICS Summit Agenda
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, chaired by Russia, will provide a platform for Modi to engage in bilateral meetings with leaders from BRICS member countries and invited leaders. This will be Modi’s second visit to Russia in 2024, having previously attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow in July, where he also met with President Putin.