'Modi Shining' : PM plays Global South card in a big way at a time when two formidable 'BRICS pillars' China and Russia unfold their moves

 PM Narendra Modi said that he had an "excellent meeting" with South African President and host of the 15th BRICS Summit Cyril Ramaphosa

"We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well," he tweeted.  

At the BRICS Plenary Session in Johannesburg, Chinese President Xi Jinping says, "BRICS countries should practice true multi-lateralism, stick to solidarity and oppose division...,,, 

International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter rather than dictated by those with strongest muscles or the loudest of voice".

"The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense," he said.

“BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system,” said Mr. Modi in a statement issued before his departure.  The 'Global South' and its interest is in focus in this year's Summit for obvious reasons.  

Do not forget, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Moscow visit in March 2023. Xi said he will bring "historic transitions" in partnership with Vladimir Putin. Hence the most vital puzzle of our time is can Russia and China can turn the BRICS into a credible anti-western stage.  

At the Business Leaders Forum meet on Tuesday PM Modi tried to present himself as a 'reformer'. He referred to India's onetime infamous 'red tape' -- which could be interpreted as a veiled attack on his predecessors especially vis-a-vis the Congress leadership.  

Modi now talks about welcoming “Red Carpet” for foreign investors. This symbolic shift underscores India’s determined efforts to expedite reform, streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy.

The recently enacted Forest law is being disputed in India, but observers say yet again the Modi timed it well as the passage in Parliament was ensured a few days before the BRICS Summit in South Africa and about a month before all important G20 Summit in Delhi.  

At plenarry session Xi Jinping also said, "...Human history will not end with a particular civilisation or system. BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness and advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilisations."

He further stated, "We should respect all modernisation paths that each country chooses on its own and oppose ideological rivalry, systemic confrontation and clash of civilisations".

Xi backed the idea of BRICS expansion. 

"We should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace & tranquillity. The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development & consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership."

"We need to make good use of the BRICS Foreign ministers' meeting, a meeting of high representatives on national security & other mechanism; support each other on our core interests and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues. We need to tender good offices on hotspot issues pushing for political settlement and lowering the temperature...".