India Secures BRICS Joint Declaration Amid Iran-UAE Divide

India has scored a significant diplomatic victory by securing a joint declaration on the first day of the BRICS Summit. This achievement was not without its challenges, as Indian officials worked behind the scenes to bridge the expected divide between Iran and the UAE.

The UAE had sought to name Iran over attacks on Gulf territory, while Iran wanted a mention of US-Israeli attacks. However, through diplomatic efforts, India was able to secure a joint declaration that addressed the concerns of both countries.

According to former ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, the work on the draft declaration could have started as early as six months prior to the summit. The Foreign Ministry would have set up 'drafting groups' to work on the language of the declaration, with various bodies responsible for different aspects of the draft.

The BRICS draft was prepared with inputs from various ministries, including the Economic Ministry and the Commerce Ministry. The Foreign Secretary would then sit with other secretaries to finalize a workable draft, incorporating India's concerns and questions of structure and language.

The SCO joint statement in Bishkek provided a structure for the BRICS statement, laying out themes of global governance, international law, global security, and economic and financial issues. The declaration was able to go through without naming countries, which helped to address the concerns of Iran and the UAE.

The draft created by the working group was then moved forward to the BRICS Sherpa meet, where 90% to 95% of the draft text was agreed upon before it went to the Foreign Ministerial level. India, as the chair, would have prepared 'squirrel paragraphs' that suggested alternative language should another country have a problem with the original wording.

The BRICS declaration is significant in its specific language on Palestine, given India's close relations with Israel. The declaration's language on Palestine was balanced with India's interests, and the joint text was approved without naming countries.

The success of the BRICS joint declaration is a major diplomatic victory for India, demonstrating its ability to bridge divides and secure agreements among diverse nations. This achievement is a testament to India's growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to multilateral cooperation.

The BRICS Summit has provided a platform for India to engage with other emerging economies and to address global challenges. The joint declaration is a significant outcome of the summit, and it reflects the commitment of the BRICS nations to work together on issues of common concern.

In conclusion, India's achievement in securing the BRICS joint declaration is a significant diplomatic victory that reflects its growing influence and commitment to multilateral cooperation. The declaration's language on Palestine and other issues demonstrates India's ability to balance its interests with those of other nations, and it provides a foundation for further cooperation among the BRICS nations.

The success of the BRICS joint declaration also highlights the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing global challenges. It demonstrates that even in the face of significant differences, nations can work together to achieve common goals and to address shared concerns.

Overall, the BRICS joint declaration is a significant achievement that reflects India's growing influence and commitment to multilateral cooperation. It provides a foundation for further cooperation among the BRICS nations and demonstrates the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing global challenges.

The declaration's impact will be felt in the days and weeks to come, as the BRICS nations work to implement its provisions and to address the global challenges that it identifies. It is a significant step forward for the BRICS nations and for the global community, and it reflects the commitment of these nations to work together to address the challenges of the 21st century.

In the end, the BRICS joint declaration is a testament to the power of diplomacy and cooperation in achieving common goals and addressing shared concerns. It is a significant achievement that reflects India's growing influence and commitment to multilateral cooperation, and it provides a foundation for further cooperation among the BRICS nations.