12th BRICS SUMMIT | BRICS SUMMIT 2020 | 12th BRICS SUMMIT UPSC | IMPORTANT DETAILS OF 12th BRICS SUMMIT | BRICS | BRICS COUNTRIES | BRICS GROUP
SOURCE : THE HINDU
The 12th BRICS Summit was held virtual on 17 November 2020 in Russia's host, which was also attended by the Indian Prime Minister.
Key Points
The theme of the BRICS conference this year was "Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth".
The summit was held in the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and the COVID-19 pandemic.
12th BRICS Conference and India
The following major issues were discussed by the Indian Prime Minister during the conference.
Terrorism
Terrorism is the biggest problem facing the world. There is a need to confront state-sponsored terrorism and countries that support terrorism. Blame the terrorists as well as the countries that provide support to the terrorists.
The fact to note here is that the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy has also been put up for signature during the summit.
Reforms in International Institutions
India supports immediate reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Health Organization (WHO), including the UN Security Council. India expects support from BRICS partners in this. These international institutions and organizations are not functioning as per contemporary reality.
Post COVID-19 Economy
BRICS countries can play an important role in the post COVID-19 scenario. 42% of the world's population lives in BRICS countries, so these organizations are the main engines of the global economy. There is a lot of scope to increase trade between BRICS countries, which can help countries overcome the global slowdown.
Self-reliant India
The concept of 'self-sustaining campaign' proposed by India was shared with BRICS countries.
The campaign was adopted as a 'reform process' in the economy aimed at building a self-reliant and resilient India in the post COVID-19 world order so that it can play an important role in the 'global value chain'.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The need for cooperation between BRICS countries in the production of vaccine for COVID-19 was emphasized by the Prime Minister. India is in talks with Russia to test the Sputnik V vaccine and is expected to start in Uttar Pradesh soon. India has been assured of leadership to ensure vaccine penetration in South Asian countries.
BRICS Counter-terrorism Strategy
The 'BRICS Anti-Terrorism Strategy' was put up for signature during the summit.
The implementation of this strategy will be reviewed by the high level representatives of the BRICS Group, while the responsibility for its implementation will be assigned to the BRICS 'Counter-Terrorism Working Group- CTWG'.
Objective
All countries should take appropriate steps to prevent the use of their territories in the spread of terrorist bases or terrorist activities.
Improving practical cooperation (especially on sharing of information) between member countries' security and law-enforcement authorities to help prevent and combat terrorism.
To prevent terrorism, the availability of financial and material resources encouraging groups, institutions and related individuals should be stopped.
The availability of 'Extremist Narratives' promoting terrorism will be addressed so that the Internet and social media platforms cannot be used by terrorist groups to recruit and promote extremism.
Conclusion
Although there was no discussion on the India-China border deadlock at the conference, BRICS could be an important platform for both countries from a diplomatic point of view. Terrorism is a major threat to India and the BRICS counter-terrorism strategy adopted during the conference can prove to be very helpful in combating terrorism.
Comments