The Delhi BRICS Summit and what Nepal lost by staying away

India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, several newer members and partner countries came together under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

It was a significant event. BRICS now represents more than half of the world’s population and accounts for almost 40 percent of global GDP, while its share of the global economy continues to grow. When such a group meets in our own neighbourhood, in a country with which we share a border and deep cultural ties, it is not a small event to watch from a distance. Yet Nepal was not part of the gathering.