High Commissioner Anil Sookal interview: ‘India now has acceptance with the Global North and the Global South’

High Commissioner Anil Sookal discussed the significance of the BRICS grouping at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, highlighting the need for leadership in a conflict-ridden world. Sookal noted that the world is increasingly dividing into camps, with individual countries imposing their will on smaller ones. He emphasized the importance of BRICS providing leadership, especially as the Global South constitutes 85% of the global population but lacks a say on critical issues.

Sookal stressed the necessity of an inclusive global governance architecture, arguing that the UN has eroded its original vision of equal representation for all countries, regardless of size or power. He pointed out the paralysis of the UN Security Council, where Africa and Latin America have no voice, despite their significant influence on global affairs. India, Brazil, and South Africa have been advocating for reform to include these regions in a reformed Security Council.

The BRICS leaders are expected to discuss these issues and send a message of reform, according to Sookal. He expressed hope that India's presidency would consolidate the theme of building resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability, addressing challenges surrounding food and energy security, and encouraging dialogue to resolve conflicts. Sookal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trust factor with President Putin, highlighting how it allowed India to speak candidly about finding a peaceful resolution to the war.

Regarding the upcoming BRICS presidency in China, Sookal saw it as a positive statement for global coexistence and cooperation, particularly in the context of India and China's potential role as the world's dominant economies in the 21st century. He believed that the India-China thaw would send a powerful message to the global community, especially to those in the Global North who oppose peaceful cooperation between the two nations.