In a notable decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be absent from the November 21 virtual BRICS-Plus summit focusing on the Israel-Hamas conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India, citing the Prime Minister’s commitment to ongoing State Assembly elections in Rajasthan. India’s stance, deviating from other BRICS countries, reflects its reluctance to join discussions critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Unlike fellow BRICS members, India has refrained from demanding an Israeli ceasefire, abstaining from a UN General Assembly vote favoring a ceasefire resolution. The BRICS-Plus meeting, initiated by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, will include new BRICS members Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. India’s absence signals its discomfort with potential criticism of Israel.
The meeting precedes PM Modi hosting the G20 Virtual summit, heightening anticipation regarding discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict within the larger forum. The diplomatic rift intensifies between South Africa and Israel, with South Africa referring Israel to the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
While South Africa takes a robust stance, India’s response has been a “strong condemnation” of civilian casualties, emphasizing the need for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy. The BRICS summit also aligns with efforts within the BRICS grouping to press the UN Security Council for a resolution calling for a complete halt to the Gaza bombings.
As the conflict’s toll surpasses 12,000 lives, the international community faces challenges in reaching a consensus on the path forward.
With inputs from agencies
