'Global South Is Capable Of Providing Leadership': Anil Sooklal

In an interview on global affairs, BJP National Vice President and foreign policy expert Ram Madhav discusses India's strategic positioning across international forums including BRICS, the G20, the SCO, and the Quad. Responding to political criticism regarding the relevance of multilateral groupings, he highlights that BRICS represents over 60 percent of the world population and serves as a vital platform for the Global South. Addressing India-China ties, Madhav clarifies that bilateral concerns, such as border negotiations and a 100-billion-dollar trade deficit within 159 billion dollars of total trade, are handled bilaterally rather than at BRICS summits. Analyzing systemic shifts, he notes that the post-World War II order is ending and describes the transition as an interim where uncontrollable forces arise. Highlighting non-state power dynamics termed 'hetero polarity', Madhav underscores the rising influence of big tech corporations and investors, calling for international ethical frameworks and regulation around artificial intelligence alongside critical climate and resource resilience.

The death of Gulzar Singh in Punjab has triggered widespread political outrage after his family accused the state administration and police of carrying out a forced cremation without their consent. The deceased's wife and son released video statements alleging intimidation, absence of promised compensation or employment, and severe pressure from police forces drawn from multiple districts. They also demanded legal action against all individuals named by Gulzar Singh before his death, including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Shiromani Akali Dal, have mounted attacks against the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to the Punjab Governor demanding the arrest of Harpal Singh Cheema and accusing authorities of evidence destruction. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and a Bharatiya Janata Party delegation also intervened, raising concerns over security and justice for the bereaved family.

Panelists at the BRICS forum discussed the internationalisation of Indian business, opportunities across emerging markets, and the role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth. The session highlighted the untapped potential of Indian exports and domestic market strength, alongside trade prospects with countries across Africa, China, and Russia. Speakers examined bilateral investment between India and South Africa across sectors such as manufacturing, defence, and nuclear energy, while addressing the need for judicial efficiency and ease of doing business. The discussion also addressed economic participation for over 1.9 billion women across BRICS nations, emphasising the need for resilience building against climate and economic shocks, enhanced credit guarantees, and stronger institutional support frameworks. Panelists concluded that actionable policies, capability building, and robust social infrastructure are vital to translating market opportunities into sustainable economic progress across member nations.

Speaking at the Aaj Tak India Today Global event, former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant shared insights on the BRICS summit, global geopolitical challenges, and India's strategic positioning. Kant emphasized that the BRICS summit is taking place amid major conflicts in Europe and West Asia alongside supply chain breakdowns and rising protectionism. He noted that BRICS accounts for nearly 48 to 49 percent of the global population and around 40 percent of global GDP, making consensus vital. Addressing India's multi-aligned policy towards becoming a 30-plus trillion dollar economy by 2047 under Viksit Bharat, he highlighted the nation's balancing act between fossil fuel imports and clean technology adoption. Emphasizing strategic diplomacy, Kant stated, 'BRICS is a very important informal grouping' that must avoid taking an anti-West stance while fostering Global South technology cooperation with China.