BRICS IS NOT CHINA’S GAMEPLAN— IT’S MODI’S GAMEFIELD: Dr CHANDRA

In the latest offering of The JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation tour and his leadership at the BRICS summit reflect a strategic pivot in global diplomacy. He underlined Modi’s growing stature as the de facto voice of the Global South and his bold challenge to Western dominance through logical, values-based leadership. Dr Chandra highlighted key themes including zero tolerance on terror, the push for an alternate global currency, and the urgent need for reform in global institutions like the UNSC and WTO. He noted the symbolic strength of Modi receiving top civilian honours in four countries, asserting that Modi’s international appeal transcends geography and ideology. “Modi is not just present—he dominates the global stage,” Dr Chandra affirmed. Excerpts... (Part-I)

 The headline of today’s JC Show is “Modi’s Global Gameplan: BRICS & Beyond.” What exactly does this signify?

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: It means that Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy and diplomacy today extend far beyond just BRICS. His focus is on establishing leadership across the entire globe—particularly the Global South and BRICS countries—by offering an alternative model of leadership, standing with these nations through their struggles, and presenting a logical, issuebased challenge to the dominance of the West. Modi aims to lead this entire gambit and develop an alternate form of leadership. Precisely speaking, the leadership of the Global South today has gravitated towards Modi, and he wishes to strengthen it further. This visit has only reinforced that leadership. When we talk about BRICS specifically, it is absolutely fair to say that Narendra Modi has emerged as the new hero of BRICS. One of his goals is to break China’s resource gambit and its blackmail tactics, to dismantle their monopoly on rare minerals and to redirect global interests towards national priorities. He’s also bringing the issue of terrorism to the global stage beyond a point of tolerance—what we call “zero tolerance on terror”—and aims to convince the world that there can be no double standards when it comes to terrorism. You must condemn it without choice or bias. In that sense, you could say these are some of Modi’s priorities under his game plan for “BRICS & Beyond.” He intends to collaborate with all nations to softly challenge Western leadership and, most importantly, to emerge as a guardian of the interests of Global South nations. Some people suggest BRICS is China’s game plan, but that is incorrect. This is Modi’s game field. This is Narendra Modi’s game plan. And in the coming years, through upcoming visits and diplomatic efforts, he will further consolidate this strategy. Keeping all this in mind, today’s headline has been rightly titled “Modi’s Global Gameplan: BRICS & Beyond.”

What is your overall view of the Prime Minister’s 8-day, 5-nation tour? Let’s begin with Brazil—how successful was Modi’s visit there, and why is Brazil important for India?

The Brazil visit was undoubtedly successful for Prime Minister Modi. He emerged there as an emerging hero. The kind of welcome he received, the agreements that were signed, and the respect shown to him were truly remarkable. Brazil and Narendra Modi are natural allies in the entire BRICS and Global South scenario. They are natural partners, and Brazil’s President is a strong voice in this sphere. Whenever he speaks, he tries to speak in the same language as Modi. The partnership, the coordination, the alliance between Modi and Brazil’s President is very strong. And indirectly, this alliance is counter-West. Occasionally, both even have to take positions against leaders like Trump. Their tones are often strikingly similar. Recently, when the West proposed to impose an additional 10% tariff on BRICS nations, the Brazilian President responded in language that resembled India’s. He essentially said: “This isn’t the Emperor’s home anymore, the world has changed. You can’t behave like an emperor.” There are many such matters where Modi takes the lead and drives collective action. This alliance with Brazil is particularly significant. Brazil plays a key role in Modi’s path to acquiring leadership of the Global South. It’s a critical partner and a vital passage in that journey. Modi has clearly said that India’s relationship with Brazil will be further strengthened and made strategic. On the trade front, a target has been set to increase bilateral trade from $12.2 billion to $20 billion in the next five years, though it might be achieved even earlier, within two years. MoUs have been signed in sectors like health, energy, and digital infrastructure. Both nations have decided to work together in all the core sectors of the developing world’s economies. The most impressive part was that the Brazilian President conferred Brazil’s highest civilian honour on Modi. This alliance within BRICS—between Brazil and India—is particularly powerful. From that perspective, the summit was a great success.

Let’s now talk about the BRICS Summit. What were key focus areas for PM Modi there?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s primary focus was to counter the increasing dominance of the West and to establish alternative leadership. Alongside that, he sought to create a global atmosphere against terrorism—a unified voice calling for zero tolerance. The second major focus was the urgent need for dramatic reforms in global governance. That includes reforming the working of institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organization. These two were specifically targeted. Recognition and honours aside—which are separate matters—his third core area was breaking the monopoly of certain nations over rare minerals. He intended to unite countries and collectively dismantle this monopoly. In summary, his major goals at the summit were: terrorism, global governance reform, and taking on a leadership role against the West through an alternative framework. His entire focus was built around these pillars.

The BRICS Summit also passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. How do you interpret this diplomatic success for PM Modi?

In a context where some nations sympathetic to Pakistan try to embarrass India or confuse public perception, the passage of a resolution condemning the Pahalgam attack during the BRICS Summit was a major development. It indirectly held Pakistan accountable and clearly stood against terror. The fact that all BRICS nations stood with Narendra Modi, echoed his voice, and collectively said that terrorism must stop—and specifically condemned the attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam—is significant. This is undoubtedly a major diplomatic victory for Narendra Modi and Indian foreign policy. There is no doubt about it.

Do you think BRICS nations can actually create a new currency to replace dollar? And what impact will Trump’s 10% extra tariff have on these countries?

There is certainly the ambition and effort to counter America and the West and to curb Trump’s growing influence. The proposal to replace the dollar is not new—it’s been around for a while. The idea is that the dollar is America’s strength. To weaken that dominance, BRICS nations aim to create a balancing act by weakening the dollar’s influence. They’ve proposed a new route: each nation developing its own currency, and BRICS nations forming a joint payment system. During the summit, three major agenda points were discussed. One was to develop digital infrastructure. Second, to ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and prevent its misuse. Third, the member nations will develop their own currencies to replace the dollar, strengthen them, and build an alternative payment system. This is already a key part of their agenda. Will they succeed? That’s a difficult question. But these countries are standing strong and making serious efforts. Trump, meanwhile, is anxious that under Modi’s leadership, BRICS may actually succeed. That’s why he abruptly threatened a 10% tariff. He even told Brazil they might face a 50% tariff. Frankly, I have no hesitation in saying that Trump’s tariff tantrums border on madness. Where will they stop? No one knows. Today it’s 1st August, and soon he might shift the deadline to 1st November. The bottom line is: that BRICS is making full efforts to counter US dominance, especially Trump’s influence, by proposing an alternative currency. It’s a difficult challenge, but the efforts are real and ongoing. They might just see some success.

With Xi Jinping and Putin absent, do you think PM Modi dominated the summit stage?

Absolutely. Narendra Modi was dominant. But there are two sides to this. His charisma and aura are so powerful that he remains a dominant presence even when Xi and Putin are there. But of course, their absence did give him some extra mileage. Not that he needed it—his own aura is immense. Today, if you look globally, there are only a few top leaders: the President of China, the President of the United States, and President Putin. Narendra Modi now stands firmly among them. In fact, Modi has surpassed Putin in many ways. Between Trump, who is whimsical, and the Chinese leader, who is a dictator—not a democrat— Modi stands out as a thoughtful, composed, democratic leader. In that sense, Modi is being recognised as a world-class global leader. His presence would have been felt either way—there’s something magnetic, some divine force behind his persona. Wherever he goes, crowds surge with enthusiasm. There’s something very special about him.

Prime Minister Modi said the Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Do you agree?

Yes, he said that—and rightly so. These countries have consistently been treated with double standards—be it in matters of resources, development, or security. Their voices are often unheard. Global institutions operate without their input. Modi likened this to a mobile phone with no signal. It may have a SIM card, but without a network, it’s meaningless. Unless these nations are given a platform and their voices are heard, the discriminatory treatment won’t end. Until the major powers abandon this double standard, balanced global development is simply not possible. That’s what Modi was trying to say.

Q: How do you see PM Modi’s speech in Ghana’s Parliament and the reception there?

His speech was excellent, and people were genuinely impressed. Modi even invited them to visit India’s new Parliament and meet Speaker Om Birla. He said they should come and witness its grandeur. There have been several recent events at India’s new Parliament building, and Birla organises them very well. I believe Ghanaian leaders will visit soon. Indian Parliament has a remarkable aura and infrastructure, and they’ll be very impressed. Modi’s speech was appreciated, and I expect a deepening of ties through such engagements.

During Modi’s Trinidad & Tobago visit, the Biharorigin Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wore a saree. How do you see that moment?

Naturally, it must have pleased Modi. He is a man of Indian cultural instincts. Seeing a woman of Indian origin in a saree abroad reflects our cultural extension overseas. That country, after all, was built by people of Indian origin. 180 years ago, Indian labourers went there and settled. Modi’s visit coincided with the 180th anniversary of that migration. He addressed their Parliament and received a rousing “Modi, Modi” chant. I often say there’s a divine force that drives Modi’s magnetic aura. The visit was emotionally and diplomatically successful. Someone even mentioned a “Patna Street” there, given the large Bihari population. And with elections coming in Bihar, there was a buzz—even though the visit wasn’t politically motivated. Small countries like Trinidad & Tobago often receive Indian assistance. Wherever Modi goes, MoUs worth Rs 5,000 crore or more are signed—in health, energy, and digital sectors. Namibia, for example, adopted India’s UPI system. These countries are happy to partner with India under Modi’s leadership.

“NaMo: One Man, 27 International Honours!” Four more nations honoured him during this trip alone. How do you view this global craze for Modi?

It’s astonishing. The craze isn’t limited to India—it’s global. 27 nations have conferred their highest civilian awards on Modi. That’s unprecedented. It’s a matter of national pride. In small nations like Namibia, he received a grand welcome. He thanked them for the cheetahs brought under the tiger project. Namibia, 13,000 kilometres from Delhi, was thrilled by his visit. This affection, this admiration, this respect—this is what compels nations to honour him. Modi has said these honours aren’t just for him but for 1.4 billion Indians. He’s right— it lifts the entire nation. Our flag rises higher with every honour he receives.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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