BRICS Summit Opens Without Chinese President Xi Jinping: Lula and Modi Take the Reins

The BRICS summit, a significant gathering of emerging global powers, commenced this week under the shadow of a notable absence: Chinese President Xi Jinping. His non-attendance has shifted the spotlight onto other key leaders, particularly Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who are now poised to play dominant roles in shaping the agenda and outcomes of the meeting.

A Leadership Vacuum?

Xi Jinping's absence has sparked considerable speculation about its implications for China's global standing and its relationship with other BRICS nations. While official explanations cite scheduling conflicts, the geopolitical context suggests a more complex narrative. Some analysts point to the growing tensions between China and several other BRICS members, particularly India, regarding territorial disputes and economic competition. The lack of a clear Chinese voice at the top level could lead to altered dynamics within the bloc.

Lula and Modi: Steering the BRICS Ship?

With Xi's absence, President Lula and Prime Minister Modi are effectively positioned as the most prominent figures at the summit. Both leaders have ambitious visions for BRICS and considerable influence within the group. Lula's focus on South-South cooperation and social justice issues provides a counterpoint to the more commercially focused agendas often championed by China. Meanwhile, Modi's emphasis on economic growth and technological innovation presents a different, yet equally potent, perspective.

Navigating Geopolitical Currents

The summit takes place against the backdrop of significant geopolitical shifts. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the global economic slowdown, and rising tensions between major powers create a volatile environment for BRICS. The absence of a unified Chinese voice at the summit may create opportunities for other BRICS nations to pursue their own agendas more forcefully. This could potentially lead to less cohesive decision-making processes within the group.

The Future of BRICS

The BRICS summit's outcomes will be closely scrutinized for indications of the group's future trajectory. The absence of Xi Jinping serves as a stark reminder that the bloc is not immune to internal tensions and evolving power dynamics. The leadership roles assumed by Lula and Modi will likely shape the summit's agenda and influence its longer-term direction. Whether BRICS can maintain its momentum and relevance in a rapidly changing global order remains to be seen.

The coming days will unveil the specific outcomes of the summit. However, Xi Jinping's absence has already made a significant mark, altering the dynamics of the meeting and raising questions about the future cohesion and direction of this influential group of nations.