9th BRICS Summit 2017 And Xiamen Declaration

The 9th BRICS Summit convened in Xiamen, China, culminating in the issuance of the Xiamen Declaration. Under the theme of "Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," the declaration articulated the group's agendas and areas of consensus for the year. A primary focus was the urgent need for the UN General Assembly to finalize and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), an initiative spearheaded by India in 1996. The CCIT seeks to establish a universally accepted definition of terrorism, disrupt terrorist financing and safe havens, and mandate domestic legal amendments to facilitate the extradition of individuals involved in cross-border terrorism.

Furthermore, the declaration underscored the significance of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), established in 2015, as a pivotal achievement in BRICS financial collaboration. The CRA aims to bolster global financial stability by providing liquidity support and precautionary measures to member nations grappling with short-term balance of payments challenges.

The 9th BRICS Summit: A Deep Dive into the Xiamen Declaration and its Implications for India

The 9th BRICS Summit, held in Xiamen, China, in 2017, marked a significant moment in the evolution of this influential grouping of emerging economies. The summit's outcome, the Xiamen Declaration, encapsulated the shared vision, priorities, and commitments of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This declaration, themed "Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," served as a roadmap for BRICS cooperation in various domains, ranging from economic and financial collaboration to security and political coordination. For India, the summit held particular importance due to its long-standing advocacy for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and its commitment to strengthening the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). Understanding the nuances of the Xiamen Declaration, its historical context, and its implications for India requires a comprehensive examination of the BRICS framework itself.

The Genesis and Evolution of BRICS

The concept of BRIC, as it was initially known, was first coined by Jim O'Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in a 2001 research paper titled "Building Better Global Economic BRICs." O'Neill identified Brazil, Russia, India, and China as four emerging economies with significant growth potential that could collectively reshape the global economic landscape. The term gained traction, and in 2006, the foreign ministers of these four countries held their first meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. This marked the formal beginning of the BRIC grouping.

The primary motivation behind the formation of BRIC was the desire to create a more multipolar world order, one that was less dominated by Western powers. The BRIC nations sought to leverage their collective economic strength and demographic weight to gain greater influence in international institutions and to advocate for reforms that would better reflect the interests of developing countries. The group aimed to foster cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, finance, and development.

In 2010, South Africa was invited to join the BRIC grouping, transforming it into BRICS. South Africa's inclusion added a crucial African dimension to the group, further enhancing its representativeness and global reach. The addition of South Africa also underscored the BRICS' commitment to promoting South-South cooperation, which refers to collaboration and exchange among developing countries.

The BRICS nations share several common characteristics that have contributed to their ability to work together effectively. First, they are all large, geographically diverse countries with significant populations and abundant natural resources. Second, they have all experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades, albeit at varying rates. Third, they are all committed to multilateralism and to upholding the principles of international law. Fourth, they share a desire to reform the international system to make it more equitable and representative.

Key Pillars of BRICS Cooperation

BRICS cooperation is structured around three main pillars: economic cooperation, political and security cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Economic Cooperation: This pillar focuses on promoting trade and investment among BRICS nations, strengthening financial cooperation, and coordinating macroeconomic policies. Key initiatives include the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank, and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). The NDB was created to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies. The CRA provides a framework for mutual financial assistance among BRICS nations in the event of balance of payments difficulties.

Political and Security Cooperation: This pillar aims to enhance coordination on global political and security issues, such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and peacekeeping. BRICS nations regularly exchange views and coordinate their positions on these issues in multilateral forums such as the UN Security Council. They also conduct joint exercises and training programs to enhance their capabilities in areas such as disaster management and counter-terrorism.

People-to-People Exchanges: This pillar seeks to promote cultural understanding and exchanges among BRICS nations. It includes initiatives such as academic exchanges, youth forums, and cultural festivals. The goal is to foster closer ties between the people of BRICS countries and to build a sense of shared identity.

The Xiamen Declaration: A Detailed Examination

The Xiamen Declaration, the outcome of the 9th BRICS Summit, provides a comprehensive overview of the group's priorities and commitments for the year. The declaration covers a wide range of issues, including global governance, economic cooperation, security, and sustainable development.

Global Governance: The declaration reaffirms the BRICS' commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. It calls for reforms to the UN system, including the Security Council, to make it more representative and effective. The BRICS nations also express their support for strengthening the role of other international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Economic Cooperation: The declaration emphasizes the importance of promoting trade and investment among BRICS nations. It calls for the removal of barriers to trade and investment and for the creation of a more favorable business environment. The BRICS nations also commit to strengthening financial cooperation, including through the NDB and the CRA. The declaration highlights the importance of infrastructure development and calls for increased investment in this area.

Security: The declaration addresses a range of security challenges, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and transnational crime. It condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and calls for enhanced international cooperation to combat terrorism. The BRICS nations also express their concern about the increasing threat of cybercrime and call for the development of international norms and standards to govern cyberspace.

Sustainable Development: The declaration reaffirms the BRICS' commitment to sustainable development and to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It calls for increased investment in renewable energy and for the promotion of energy efficiency. The BRICS nations also commit to addressing climate change and to implementing the Paris Agreement.

India's Role in BRICS and the Significance of the CCIT

India has been an active and influential member of BRICS since its inception. India's engagement with BRICS is driven by a number of factors, including its desire to promote its economic and strategic interests, to enhance its influence in global affairs, and to advocate for the interests of developing countries.

India has played a leading role in shaping the BRICS agenda and in promoting cooperation in various areas. India was instrumental in the establishment of the NDB and the CRA, and it has been a strong advocate for reforms to the UN system. India has also been a vocal proponent of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

The CCIT is a proposed international convention that aims to establish a universal definition of terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism. India first proposed the CCIT in 1996, and it has been actively lobbying for its adoption ever since.

The main objective of the CCIT is to address the legal vacuum that exists in international law regarding the definition of terrorism. Currently, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of terrorism, which makes it difficult to prosecute terrorists and to coordinate international efforts to combat terrorism. The CCIT seeks to fill this gap by providing a clear and comprehensive definition of terrorism that can be used by all countries.

In addition to defining terrorism, the CCIT also seeks to strengthen international cooperation in several other areas, including:

• Extradition: The CCIT would require countries to extradite or prosecute individuals accused of terrorism.
• Financing: The CCIT would require countries to take steps to prevent the financing of terrorism.
• Arms control: The CCIT would require countries to control the proliferation of weapons that could be used for terrorist purposes.

India views the CCIT as a crucial tool in the fight against terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism. India has been a victim of numerous terrorist attacks over the years, many of which have been carried out by groups based in neighboring countries. India believes that the CCIT would help to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism and to bring terrorists to justice.

However, the CCIT has faced significant opposition from some countries, primarily due to disagreements over the definition of terrorism. Some countries are concerned that a broad definition of terrorism could be used to suppress legitimate political dissent. Other countries are concerned that the CCIT could be used to target certain groups or individuals based on their political beliefs or ethnicity.

Despite these challenges, India has continued to push for the adoption of the CCIT. India believes that it is essential to have a universal definition of terrorism in order to effectively combat this global threat. The Xiamen Declaration reaffirmed the BRICS' commitment to working towards the adoption of the CCIT, which was a significant victory for India.

The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is another important initiative that has been championed by India. The CRA is a framework for providing mutual financial assistance among BRICS nations in the event of balance of payments difficulties.

The CRA was established in 2015 with the aim of strengthening financial stability among BRICS nations and of reducing their reliance on Western-dominated financial institutions such as the IMF. The CRA has a total committed capital of $100 billion, with China contributing the largest share ($41 billion), followed by Brazil, Russia, and India ($18 billion each), and South Africa ($5 billion).

The CRA provides a mechanism for BRICS nations to lend each other money in times of financial crisis. The funds can be used to address balance of payments problems, to stabilize exchange rates, and to support economic growth. The CRA is intended to complement the existing international financial architecture, not to replace it.

India views the CRA as an important tool for promoting financial stability in the BRICS region and for reducing the vulnerability of BRICS nations to external shocks. India has been a strong supporter of the CRA and has played an active role in its development.

Broader Implications of the Xiamen Declaration for India

The Xiamen Declaration has a number of broader implications for India, both in terms of its foreign policy and its domestic policy.

Foreign Policy: The Xiamen Declaration reinforces India's commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. It also strengthens India's ties with the other BRICS nations, which are all important strategic partners. The declaration's emphasis on counter-terrorism aligns with India's long-standing efforts to combat terrorism, and its call for the adoption of the CCIT is a significant victory for India. The declaration's focus on economic cooperation and sustainable development also aligns with India's priorities.

Domestic Policy: The Xiamen Declaration can also have implications for India's domestic policy. For example, the declaration's emphasis on infrastructure development could lead to increased investment in infrastructure projects in India. The declaration's focus on sustainable development could encourage India to adopt more environmentally friendly policies. The declaration's call for increased trade and investment could boost economic growth in India.

Challenges and Opportunities for BRICS and India

While BRICS has achieved significant progress in promoting cooperation among its member nations, it also faces a number of challenges. These challenges include:

• Internal differences: The BRICS nations have different political systems, economic structures, and foreign policy priorities. These differences can sometimes make it difficult to reach consensus on important issues.
• Economic slowdown: The economic growth of some BRICS nations has slowed down in recent years. This could weaken the group's collective economic strength and its ability to influence global affairs.
• Geopolitical tensions: Geopolitical tensions between some BRICS nations, such as India and China, could undermine cooperation within the group.

Despite these challenges, BRICS also has a number of opportunities. These opportunities include:

• Growing economic power: The BRICS nations continue to be among the fastest-growing economies in the world. This gives them increasing economic power and influence in global affairs.
• Shared interests: The BRICS nations share a number of common interests, such as the desire to reform the international system and to promote South-South cooperation. These shared interests can provide a basis for continued cooperation.
• New initiatives: The BRICS nations are constantly developing new initiatives to promote cooperation in various areas. These initiatives can help to address global challenges and to strengthen the group's collective influence.

For India, BRICS represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in managing its relationship with China, which is both a strategic partner and a potential competitor. The opportunity lies in leveraging BRICS to promote its economic and strategic interests, to enhance its influence in global affairs, and to advocate for the interests of developing countries.

The Future of BRICS and India's Role

The future of BRICS will depend on a number of factors, including the ability of its member nations to overcome internal differences, to sustain economic growth, and to manage geopolitical tensions. If BRICS can successfully address these challenges, it has the potential to become an even more influential force in global affairs.

India is likely to play an increasingly important role in BRICS in the years to come. India's growing economic power, its strategic location, and its commitment to multilateralism make it a valuable partner for the other BRICS nations. India can contribute to BRICS by promoting economic cooperation, by enhancing security cooperation, and by advocating for reforms to the international system.

The Xiamen Declaration represents a significant step forward in the evolution of BRICS. The declaration provides a comprehensive overview of the group's priorities and commitments, and it reinforces India's commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. The declaration also strengthens India's ties with the other BRICS nations, which are all important strategic partners. The Xiamen Declaration's emphasis on counter-terrorism aligns with India's long-standing efforts to combat terrorism, and its call for the adoption of the CCIT is a significant victory for India. The declaration's focus on economic cooperation and sustainable development also aligns with India's priorities. The summit reinforced the importance of continued collaboration among BRICS nations to address global challenges and promote a more equitable and sustainable world order.

India's Bilateral Engagements on Sidelines

Beyond the collective declaration, the BRICS summit also provided a platform for India to engage in bilateral discussions with other member nations. These engagements are crucial for addressing specific concerns and strengthening relationships on a one-on-one basis. For instance, meetings with China often focus on border disputes and trade imbalances, while discussions with Russia center on defense cooperation and energy security. Engagements with Brazil and South Africa address issues related to trade diversification and collaboration on global governance reforms. These bilateral interactions are essential for India to navigate the complexities of its foreign policy within the BRICS framework.

The New Development Bank's Impact on India

The New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS nations, has emerged as a significant source of funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in India. The NDB's focus on these areas aligns with India's developmental priorities, providing much-needed financial resources for projects that can drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The NDB's lending practices, which are often more flexible and less conditional than those of traditional Western-dominated institutions, make it an attractive alternative for India. The bank has already financed several projects in India, ranging from renewable energy initiatives to transportation infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to supporting India's developmental agenda.

BRICS and the Reform of Global Institutions

One of the core objectives of BRICS is to advocate for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. India has been a strong proponent of these reforms, arguing that the current structures do not adequately reflect the changing global landscape and the growing influence of emerging economies. The BRICS nations collectively seek to create a more multipolar world order where developing countries have a greater voice in decision-making processes. This includes advocating for increased representation in the UN Security Council and pushing for reforms in the voting structures of the World Bank and the IMF. India's engagement with BRICS is therefore closely linked to its broader efforts to reshape the global governance architecture and to promote a more equitable and inclusive international system.

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation within BRICS

While the CCIT remains a key objective, BRICS has also fostered cooperation on counter-terrorism through other mechanisms. The BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group provides a platform for member nations to share information, exchange best practices, and coordinate their efforts to combat terrorism. This includes addressing issues such as terrorist financing, cross-border movement of terrorists, and the use of the internet for terrorist purposes. The group also works to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and intelligence sharing. While challenges remain due to differing perspectives and priorities, the BRICS framework provides a valuable forum for India to engage with other nations on this critical issue and to advance its counter-terrorism agenda.

The Role of BRICS in South-South Cooperation

BRICS has become a significant platform for promoting South-South cooperation, which refers to collaboration and exchange among developing countries. India has been a strong advocate of South-South cooperation, viewing it as a crucial means of promoting economic development and addressing global challenges. BRICS provides a framework for India to share its expertise and resources with other developing countries, particularly in areas such as technology, agriculture, and healthcare. The BRICS nations also work together to advocate for the interests of developing countries in international forums and to promote a more equitable global order. This focus on South-South cooperation aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives and its commitment to supporting the development of the Global South.

Navigating Geopolitical Challenges within BRICS

Despite the shared objectives and areas of cooperation, BRICS nations also face geopolitical challenges that can impact the group's effectiveness. The relationship between India and China, in particular, is marked by both cooperation and competition. Border disputes, trade imbalances, and differing strategic interests can create tensions between the two countries. However, both India and China recognize the importance of maintaining stable relations and of working together on issues of common concern. The BRICS framework provides a platform for dialogue and for managing these challenges, allowing India to engage with China and other member nations in a constructive manner.

BRICS' Economic Impact on India

The BRICS framework has had a significant economic impact on India, promoting trade, investment, and financial cooperation. Trade between India and other BRICS nations has grown substantially in recent years, driven by increasing demand for goods and services and by the removal of trade barriers. BRICS has also facilitated increased investment flows into India, particularly in infrastructure and manufacturing. The NDB has become an important source of funding for development projects in India, while the CRA provides a safety net in the event of financial instability. These economic benefits underscore the importance of BRICS for India's economic growth and development.

The Future Trajectory of BRICS-India Relations

The relationship between India and BRICS is poised to evolve further in the coming years. As the global landscape shifts and new challenges emerge, BRICS will need to adapt and to find new ways to promote cooperation among its member nations. India is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future trajectory of BRICS, leveraging its economic strength, its strategic location, and its commitment to multilateralism. The focus will likely be on strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing security cooperation, and advocating for reforms to the international system. India's engagement with BRICS will continue to be an important element of its foreign policy and its efforts to promote a more equitable and sustainable world order.

The Xiamen Declaration and India's Security Concerns

The Xiamen Declaration's emphasis on combating terrorism resonated strongly with India's security concerns. India has long faced the challenge of cross-border terrorism, with terrorist groups operating from neighboring countries posing a significant threat to its security. The declaration's call for enhanced international cooperation to combat terrorism, including the adoption of the CCIT, aligned with India's efforts to strengthen the global legal framework for counter-terrorism. The Xiamen Declaration also highlighted the importance of addressing terrorist financing and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies, which are key priorities for India. The declaration provided a platform for India to raise its concerns about terrorism and to advocate for stronger international action to address this threat.

BRICS and India's Energy Security

Energy security is a critical concern for India, given its growing energy demand and its reliance on imported energy sources. BRICS provides a framework for India to engage with other energy-rich nations, such as Russia and Brazil, to secure its energy supplies and to diversify its energy sources. The BRICS nations have also explored opportunities for cooperation in the development of renewable energy technologies and in promoting energy efficiency. This cooperation can help India to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

The Social and Cultural Dimensions of BRICS

Beyond the economic and political dimensions, BRICS also promotes social and cultural exchanges among its member nations. These exchanges aim to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures and to build stronger people-to-people ties. India has actively participated in BRICS cultural festivals, youth forums, and academic exchanges, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and promoting dialogue and understanding. These social and cultural initiatives contribute to building a sense of shared identity among the BRICS nations and to strengthening the foundation for long-term cooperation.

BRICS and India's Digital Economy

The digital economy is becoming increasingly important for India's economic growth and development. BRICS provides a platform for India to engage with other nations on issues related to digital technologies, cybersecurity, and data governance. The BRICS nations have explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as e-commerce, digital payments, and artificial intelligence. This cooperation can help India to develop its digital economy, to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, and to promote responsible data governance practices.

The Environmental Challenges and BRICS Cooperation

Environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, are a major concern for India and other BRICS nations. BRICS provides a framework for India to engage with other nations on these issues and to promote sustainable development. The BRICS nations have committed to implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change and to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. They have also explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and waste management. This cooperation can help India to address its environmental challenges and to promote a more sustainable future.

BRICS and India's Healthcare Cooperation

Healthcare is another area where BRICS has fostered cooperation among its member nations. India has a strong pharmaceutical industry and a well-developed healthcare system, and it has been sharing its expertise and resources with other BRICS nations. The BRICS nations have explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as disease prevention, vaccine development, and access to affordable medicines. This cooperation can help India to improve its healthcare system and to address global health challenges.

BRICS and the Future of Global Governance

The BRICS grouping represents a significant challenge to the existing global governance architecture, which has been dominated by Western powers for decades. By promoting a more multipolar world order and advocating for reforms to international institutions, BRICS seeks to create a more equitable and representative system of global governance. India plays a crucial role in this effort, leveraging its economic strength, its democratic values, and its commitment to multilateralism. The future of global governance will depend, in part, on the ability of BRICS to overcome its internal challenges and to work together to promote a more just and sustainable world order.