'BRICS Summit Is Being Held at a Very Challenging Time': Amitabh Kant

Expanded BRICS, Geopolitical Conflicts and Economic Ties Analyzed by ExpertsA panel of geopolitical experts examined the diplomatic, strategic, and economic dynamics surrounding the expanded BRICS grouping amid ongoing global conflicts in West Asia and Eastern Europe. The discussion addressed the positioning of BRICS as a non-Western developmental platform rather than an anti-Western bloc, highlighting India's foreign policy approach in balancing relations between member nations, China, and the United States. The speakers analyzed global trade dependencies, tariff policies, supply chain realignments, the operational limits of local currency trade mechanisms, and the continuing role of the US dollar in international finance. Additionally, the dialogue assessed the impact of regional hostilities on energy security, focusing on India's diversification of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The panel also explored multilateral cooperation across the Global South in artificial intelligence governance, the proposal for a formal BRICS secretariat in New Delhi, and regional diplomatic developments involving Bangladesh.