Building a Closer and More Results-Oriented Partnership

BRICS provides a platform for India and China to work with emerging countries on global financial institutions. BRICS seeks to shape the norms of global governance, which have been fashioned by the Atlantic system in the past. As emerging economies, the formation of BRICS reflects the urge of these countries to work together to improve the world.

The major objectives of the grouping include broadening, deepening, and intensifying cooperation among member countries for mutually beneficial, sustainable, and equitable development and to emerge as an innovative entity capable of resolving global financial issues and reforming financial institutions. These objectives provide an effective conceptual frame for India and China to work together amid differences on addressing current bilateral relations. 

The 13th BRICS Summit was held virtually in New Delhi in September 2021. At the meeting, both Chinese and Indian leaders emphasized the need for greater cooperation and understanding between the two countries and testified to the positive role of BRICS in facilitating relations. “We recognize and appreciate India’s contributions during its chairmanship over the past year, including its hosting of this summit,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian during the summit. Such warm words of appreciation could freshen up bilateral relations at a time when better communication is greatly needed.

Participating in the summit online, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China looks forward to working with BRICS partners to deepen cooperation in all areas and build a closer and more results-oriented partnership to meet common challenges and create a better future. His remarks set the stage for the coming 14th BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in China later this year with an emphasis on fostering high-quality partnerships with a vision of ushering in a new era of global development.

The author Josukutty C. A. is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science of the University of Kerala in India.