Salman Khurshid: 'Multi-Alignment Is An Escape, Non-Alignment Was Very Realistic'

A special panel discusses the strategic priorities, expectations, and challenges surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. Former Ambassador to China Ashok Kantha examines the trajectory of India-China bilateral relations following the Kazan meeting and the Galwan conflict, addressing the massive trade surplus, investment regimes, and the need for peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control. Former BRICS Sherpa Sanjay Bhattacharyya outlines India's vision for BRICS, anchored in resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, while emphasizing the grouping's role in global governance reform, technology sharing, and economic outcomes.

Dmitry, representing a Russian bank in India, highlights the rapid expansion of local currency settlements and bilateral trade turnover exceeding 500 billion rupees, emphasizing reliable financial infrastructure over symbolic declarations. The panel further assesses internal contradictions within the expanded 11-member bloc, alternative payment mechanisms, and the evolving dynamics between emerging economies and Western institutions.