AMID the tensions in West Asia which have had a cascading effect on bilateral relations between many Asian countries, the National Security Advisers’ meeting of the BRICS has opened a channel to talk out critical and tricky issues. The BRICS and associate nations are using the platform to find points that can dispel misunderstandings and find a common ground for a shared future. The BRICS meeting is a case in point for all such engagements that keep taking place all around the world to give a platform to hammer out solutions for problems seemingly beyond control. It is this continuous engagement that needs to be welcomed and encouraged by the world as the global order undergoes a rapid churning in the current times. In the case of BRICS, the presence of Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi sends out an important message to the world that when it comes to forming a joint front with an idea of a harmonious co-existence, both India and China are not averse to keeping diplomacy as the best tool to clear misunderstandings and myths. Both neighbours have had a frosty relationship for a long time.

 

Their bilateral relations took a nosedive after the Galwan Valley clashes but diplomatic channels have made sure that the issues are solved with dialogue and engagement at various levels. All those consistent efforts yielded positive results as troops from both countries undertook disengagement exercise at various friction points. The military generals kept talking while ministerial-level talks kept the hearth warm, resulting in a thawing in relationship between the two traditional neighbours. Though things are still not back to their normal, diplomatic efforts have ensured a working channel which can be used to further clear all pending issues. Similar exercises are taken up in all parts of the world in the form of various summits.

 

The Group of Seven meeting in France demonstrated the power of dialogue when top leaders converged for a meeting despite having issues with one another. All those issues were kept at their respective levels as the G-7 deliberated on the larger subjects concerned with the international society. Such engagements at regular intervals make it possible to bring out ideas of co-operation on the table and means to make those ideas workable. Various blocs have been using diplomacy as the most potent medium to form a cohesive strategy for the future. In different continents, nations have come together for a comprehensive programme needed for their particular region. The BRICS, ASEAN, G-20, EU, SAARC and many more have found a common platform to devise strategies that can work out for their own people. India is also leading the Global South to propel the second-tier economies as growth centres that can be integrated with the emerging and top economies. It is possible through constant contact and dialogue to keep the system moving. New Delhi’s insistence on dialogue and diplomacy even during bigger military conflicts stems from the basic idea of growing together by weeding out misunderstandings and disinformation.

 

In fact, India was the facilitator of dialogue when the Russia and Ukraine conflict was at its peak and also did its bit during the recent peace negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the West Asia crisis. India’s message of engaging for a bright and prosperous future is being received with open arms by the world (Of course, dud nations like Pakistan are glorious exceptions!) stressing the importance of talks in geopolitics. In fact, the world realised the importance of coming together on a common platform much earlier. Historic records show the formation of groups of kingdoms as a major bloc. The world did the same after the end of World War I by establishing the League of Nations after the Treaty of Versailles. Different forms of such leagues are working across the world to hammer out consensus. It is the power of engagement.