May 3, 2010

Nuclear Security Summit, BRIC and IBSA

Indiawelcomed President Obama’s initiative to hold a Summiton Nuclear Security. “I expect the Summitto focus on nuclear terrorism and proliferation of sensitive nuclear materialsand technologies. These are legitimate concerns which require firm responses”,said the Prime Minister on his way to Washington.India alsoannounced setting up of a “Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership” in thecountry. The meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Man Mohan Singhheld on the sidelines of the Summitreestablished the rapport they had earlier and hopefully stemmed the drift instrategic direction of the relationship, after London Af -Pak Conference.However there are other issues that are probably coming up with Indiaexpressing opposition to USmove for sanctions against Iran.The US however seems to be quite resolute in pressing home Iran sanctionsearliest, while India is not a member of the G 5 + 1 deliberations on theissue, it is one of the key opinion makers in the developing world andtherefore for the US having India on its side provides indicates soundpolitical support.

India,Brazil, SouthAfrica (IBSA) and Brazil,Russia, Indiaand China (BRIC) summits were also held in Brazil’scapital, Brasilia. These are seenas attempts by major developing countries coagulate action in the internationalcommunity seen to be excessively dominated by the USand other western countries. As there is a rise in the quotient of power ofthese countries particularly in terms of economy and trade, they are gaining alouder voice in the global arena if Copenhagenclimate change summit or talks at the WTO are any indications. However it isalso obvious that they individually do not have the clout which they now haveacquired collectively thus a combination of countries from different continentsAsia, Africa and SouthAmerica have emerged where the biggest states in these regionshave come together. This is also an impact of globalization wherecommunications both travel and IT provides opportunities for the people andgovernments to come closer. Thus all this is reflective of the growingproximity of communities globally. Politically how much these forums as theBRIC or the IBSA will achieve remains to be seen, for these are seen more aslobbying groups of the third world attempting to increase the clout of theindividual states per se.

MAY 2010