Brics’ ‘stiffest test’: can India, China rally bloc to resolve Strait of Hormuz crisis?
Analysts say a unified Brics could support Oman-led talks for a resolution and provide an alternative to US diplomacy
Analysts say the forum from September 12 to 13 amid the global energy crisis wrought by the Middle East conflict could see parallel diplomacy, given the 11-member grouping’s economic clout accounts for about 40 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product.
“I see a convergence of interests between India and China, though not necessarily a convergence in geopolitical positions,” said Uday Chandra, a political-science professor at India’s Ashoka University.
“Both countries would like the Iran and Ukraine wars contained, energy supplies secured, the Strait of Hormuz fully reopened, and the global economy stabilised in the medium run.”
“But China is closer to Russia and Iran than India is. India, in turn, has vital strategic partnerships with the US, Europe, Israel, the UAE and Ukraine,” Chandra said. “Paradoxically, these differences may make India-China cooperation more worthwhile.”
Brazil, seen as a major voice and bridge for the Global South, could help smooth out internal divides within Brics, he added.