In the recent podcast, Dr. Qamar Cheema spoke about India’s recent advancements and their implications for global diplomacy.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on India’s scientific accomplishments reflects the nation’s confidence and prosperity. He strategically promotes these achievements on the global stage.
- The addition of six countries, including Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE, to BRICS in 2024 underscores Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and the waning relevance of the OIC. Nations are gravitating towards alliances that offer mutual growth and comprehensive security.
- Pakistan’s foreign policy focus on domestic concerns has led to limited engagement on international platforms. Its absence from significant blocs and events like the US Democracy Summit highlights its lack of proactive foreign engagement.
- Pakistan’s leadership must develop a clear and proactive foreign policy vision to navigate the changing global dynamics successfully.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertive stance on India’s scientific accomplishments reflects a country’s confidence that thrives with progress. This confidence is mirrored in his efforts to highlight India’s scientific achievements.
A pivotal development of the BRICS summit in South Africa without Pakistan, spotlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation. The announcement that six countries will join BRICS in January 2024—Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates—underscores the diminishing relevance of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This move signifies these nations’ belief in the value of groups based on mutual growth and comprehensive security, underlining the shift away from OIC.
The expansion of BRICS, projected for 2024, forms a backdrop for PM Modi’s discourse. His emphasis on unity contrasts with the inability of Pakistan’s allies to support its aspirations, particularly China’s absence from the new BRICS additions. India’s influence in supporting leaders like Hasina Wajid during the BRICS summit further deepens this contrast.
A concerning trend emerges as the Islamic world gravitates towards new directions. This departure highlights Pakistan’s dependence on financial assistance, while global powers form cohesive blocks for strategic advantages. Examining Saudi Arabia’s presence at the BRICS summit underscores the lobbying efforts of both India and China. Iran’s acceptance despite global sanctions illustrates global engagement. Amid these dynamics, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains preoccupied with domestic issues, inadvertently neglecting global shifts.
Pakistan’s limited engagement on international platforms is apparent as South Africa does not extend an invitation. Pakistan’s absence from the US Democracy Summit, driven by Chinese considerations, contrasts with its exclusion from significant blocs. Notably, out of the six countries added to BRICS, five are Muslim-majority nations, prompting reflection on Pakistan’s positioning. The discourse presents India’s emergence as a champion of the Global South, a role that also aligns with China’s alliance game. Recent meetings involving President Biden, the President of South Korea, and the Prime Minister of Japan indicate the formation of new blocs. Pakistan’s position within this evolving landscape is uncertain.
The need for proactive foreign policy and engagement is evident. Pakistan must address its relationship with China, assess the changing dynamics of the Muslim world, and navigate the shift towards new global partnerships. Iran’s strategic diplomacy, avoiding extreme alignments, is contrasted with Pakistan’s current dilemma. South Africa’s involvement in BRICS, while expressing neutrality, underscores its increasing global influence. This development resonates with similar efforts by China, India, and Russia. Pakistan’s absence from such alliances accentuates its isolation.
Pakistan faces diplomatic challenges due to evolving global power dynamics. India’s confident strides and strategic alliances shape the international narrative. To navigate this changing landscape successfully, Pakistan’s leadership needs a clear vision that aligns with global perspectives, fostering engagement and enhancing the country’s standing on the global stage.