“A great person attracts great people and knows, how to hold them together.”
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
The above thought crossed my mind when a foreign delegation said “India has strong leadership now and has made tremendous progress on all fronts globally. We look up to your PM Mr. Narendra Modi to solve conflicts with other nation.”
The latest “BRICS political parties plus dialogue” conducted in South Africa from July 18th to July 20th reiterates the fact that India has a crucial role in geopolitics.
Unity in Diversity
Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) has sent a 4-member delegation to the “BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue on mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism” summit hosted by African National Congress in St Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Mr. K.Annamalai, State president of Tamilandu ,BJP was the leader of the delegation. 39 years old ex IPS (Indian Police service) officer is an engineer and post graduate from Indian Institute Management (IIM)
- state executive committee member, state media panellist and state in -charge for Policy and Research, Mahila Morcha of BJP Andhra Pradesh is a general physician.
- Mr. Pushkar Misra ,54 years old State Executive Member and State convenor of Policy Research of BJP Uttar Pradesh did M.Phil and Ph D from JNU and is founder of Ashram Parampara.
- Mr.Satyen Kulabkar ,44 year old Central Gujarat Media In charge, is a MBA graduate, entrepreneur and Syndicate member of Maharaja SayajiRao University of Baroda.
India is a republic of people of different cultures and languages coming together as a union. This ethos of India is reflected in the delegation comprising of people from diverse areas of country and education.
Delegation was able to present the ideas of honourable Narendra Modi on the global platform.
Vasudhaika Kutumbakam- World is one
Sanathan Dharma has always propagated for the concept of Vasudhaika Kutumbakam which is the need of hour to establish peace globally.
In opening remarks Mr. Annamalai quoted great tamil poet Thiruvaalur
“viruppaRaach sutram iyaiyin aruppaRaa
aakkam palavum tharum”( When one’s neighbourhood is free of envy and full of love, the height one can reach is higher because of this motivation.)
The above wise words aptly summarised the solution to the problems of global order. Humanity and sympathy are needed to avoid conflicts based on “US vs THEM” thinking.
-Indian government believes in “Vasudhaiva kutambakam” – World is one. India respects sovereignty of all nations, works along with BRICS nations in all platforms to attain mutually accelerated Growth & sustainable development.
“As far as India is concerned, your voice is India’s voice. Your priorities are India’s priorities. India has always shared its developmental experience with our “brothers of the Global South.”- The vision of India in words of honorable PM Narendra Modi.
Indian Perspective on role of BRICS
-The world is facing a slew of problems which have devasted global economy. Global south has always faced challenges in any crisis occurring anywhere all over world.
– People of global south have suffered due to various crisis like covid 19, Russia -Ukraine conflict and climate changes.
-Still BRICS countries have contributed significantly in the economic growth and emerged as key player in global arena.
-These 5 nations contribute to over 41% of world potential and have significant market.
-There are fastest growing economies like Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, etc. in this continent.
-Africa has abundant resources of oil, leather, millets, minerals…
-Africa has always been an important partner of India in all aspects of culture, economy, trade and health and is the 5th largest investor of India.
-India has unconditionally supported Africa through various activities which are problem centric, outcome oriented and demand driven so as to create local opportunities for local people.
-India has provided several lines of credit and grants in aid for various activities in fields of infrastructure, green energy and education. Another 222 Lines of Credit (LoC) worth USD 14.07 billion covering 357 projects have been extended to 42 countries in Africa. These projects cover varied sectors like roads, railways, power, ports and shipping, telecom, health, education, and aviation.About 322 LoC projects have been completed while 277 projects are under implementation.
-Through ITEC (Indian Technology and Economic Cooperation) initiative one lakh scholarships have been sanctioned to African students. This is to enhance capacity building and technical assistance.
-Indian government has provided covid vaccines and 150 tons of medical equipment to 32 African countries.
-The duty-free tariff preferential scheme for Least Developed Nations launched in 2008 has benefited 33 African states.
-India’s engagement with African nations remains at three levels: Bilateral, Regional and Multilateral.
-The government of India is committed to growth of Africa reflecting words of honorable PM while addressing Uganda parliament “”Our development partnership will be guided by your priorities. It will be on terms that will be comfortable for you, that will liberate your potential and not constrain your future… We will build as much local capacity and create as many local opportunities as possible”.
– Modi government has taken new initiatives for development of Africa like
- ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project. Under this project, India will provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crisis.
- Establishment of a ‘Global-South Center of Excellence’ for research on development solutions or best-practices of any of Global South countries, which can be scaled and implemented in other members of the Global South.
- Launch of a ‘Global-South Science & Technology initiative’ to share our expertise with other developing nations.
- ‘Global-South Scholarships’ for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in India.
- Creating ‘Global-South Young Diplomats Forum’ for synergizing the diplomatic voice, to connect young officers of foreign ministries of Global South countries.
The delegation participated in the commissions and put forward the views of India. After slew of discussions consensus was arrived by the BRICS countries over the final resolution. The final draft was on the lines of “Sarve Jana Sukhino bhavanthu , Sarve Santhu Niramya ”- “Let every one be happy , Let every one be free of suffering” aiming at global peace and development.
Bilateral meetings were conducted with delegations from other nations on concerned issues.
Meeting the Indian diaspora was another great experience. The way Indians have adapted and contributed to Africa development id remarkable. Modi government has ensured the safe guarding of interests of Indian diaspora globally and also believes them to be the first line of defense outside India.
India – The Key player
Holding together people across various nations and races is very important and relevant in the present global scenario. The global peace is at stake due to various conflicts between countries. The economic growth is staggered due to covid and other crises. There is a paradigm shift in the perception of India at a global level. This is only due to efforts of Narendra Modi government internally and externally. Great strides have been made in various aspects of health, infrastructure, digitalisation, education under Modi government in past 9 years. India is now seen as a problem solver.
Dr. Vinusha Reddy, Member of the delegation.
