India's Modi Navigates Complex Ties at BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is maintaining a delicate balancing act, fostering close ties with the West and Israel while simultaneously engaging with Iran, Russia, and China. This strategy was evident at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where Modi met with leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and Iran's Ebrahim Raisi.

Modi's engagement with Raisi, his second meeting in under two weeks, focused on Middle Eastern developments, with Modi emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed the importance of maritime freedom and security, a sensitive issue for Tehran. India's policy reflects a desire to maintain strong security, technological, and political relations with Israel, while also preserving its energy and regional partnership with Iran, a fellow BRICS member.

Raisi, following his meeting with Modi, expressed optimism about reviving bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, economy, and technology. The summit also addressed the ongoing conflict involving Iran, with BRICS nations reaching an agreement on a statement opposing unilateral wars without naming specific countries.

Modi's interactions with Xi Jinping also highlighted India's complex relationship with China. Following a period of military withdrawal and renewed trade, border tensions remain. Beijing expressed a desire for mutual success and strategic, long-term relations with India.

The BRICS summit's approach echoes the non-aligned movement of the Cold War era, with India seeking to maintain relationships across different geopolitical blocs. Modi stated that BRICS is intended to empower developing economies, not to form an anti-Western bloc. India's overarching goal appears to be creating a space for dialogue and mutual benefit with all parties.