At a time when global economic relationships are being reshaped by new markets, emerging technologies and changing patterns of connectivity, the relationship between BRICS and the Commonwealth offers an important space for dialogue. While the two groupings have different histories, structures and mandates, their overlapping geographies and economic interests create significant possibilities for cooperation—particularly in trade, investment, technology, logistics and the development priorities of the Global South.
This was the focus of a wide-ranging panel discussion on India, BRICS and the Commonwealth held during the UDC United Economic BRICS Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Bringing together voices from diplomacy, strategic affairs, business and international engagement, the session examined how the two platforms could create greater opportunities for economic cooperation and how India could contribute to building stronger connections between them.
Opening the conversation, Ms. Ashwini, Honorary Trade Commissioner, India Commonwealth Trade Council, placed emphasis on the human and institutional connections that sit behind international partnerships. As she observed, “The strength of any international platform lies not only in the relationships between states, but in how effectively those relationships reach businesses, communities and people.
This idea of translating relationships into economic outcomes was developed further by Mr. Shiju, Honorary Trade Commissioner in UAE for the Commonwealth, who examined the Commonwealth through the lens of India’s wider global economic ambitions and the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the strategic importance of the United Arab Emirates as a commercial gateway linking India with Africa, Europe and West Asia. India’s economic relationship with the UAE, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, provides a practical example of how institutional frameworks can create opportunities for businesses, particularly MSMEs and startups.
The strategic and geopolitical dimensions of the discussion were explored by Dr. Aparajita Pandey, author of India and West Asia, and Ms. Huma, working across strategic affairs, defence and aerospace. Their perspectives placed the relationship between BRICS and the Commonwealth within the wider evolution of the Global South and the changing architecture of international cooperation.
“India’s engagement with the Global South is strongest when it creates platforms for partnership rather than simply speaking on behalf of others,” Ms. Huma noted.
The potential for India to connect these different networks was central to the contribution of Mr. Darshan Chandan. With India participating in both BRICS and the Commonwealth, he described the country as being in a position to connect markets and institutions that do not always operate within the same economic framework.
“India’s opportunity is not simply to participate in different international groupings, but to connect them—through business, technology, logistics and a shared understanding of partnership,” Mr. Chandan said.
The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—provided a philosophical dimension to this argument. In practical terms, the idea translates into building bridges between markets rather than creating isolated economic blocs. For businesses, such bridges could mean easier access to markets, stronger institutional relationships, improved logistics, digital payment interoperability and greater opportunities for investment.
Adding a strong business and regional perspective to the discussion, Mr. Viral Chaudhary, Chairman, Gujarat, India Commonwealth Trade Council, highlighted the importance of converting institutional relationships into active trade and business networks. “The real opportunity lies in taking the dialogue between BRICS and the Commonwealth beyond government platforms and creating direct pathways for businesses, investors and institutions to engage with one another,” he said. His intervention brought the conversation closer to the role of trade councils and business networks in facilitating market access, partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
The discussion also benefited from the fact that the Honorary Trade Commissioners brought with them experience from their own business and professional ventures across different sectors. Their participation therefore extended beyond their institutional roles as representatives of the respective trade councils, bringing sector-specific insights from industry, entrepreneurship, investment and international business. This combination of on-ground business experience and their responsibilities as Honorary Trade Commissioners added a practical dimension to the panel, allowing the conversation to reflect not only the institutional perspective of BRICS and the Commonwealth, but also the realities faced by businesses operating across diverse markets and sectors.
The discussion subsequently moved towards the physical infrastructure that makes global trade possible. Shipping, ports, insurance and transhipment were examined as strategic components of India’s evolving position in international commerce. The UAE’s location provides an important link between India, Africa, Europe and West Asia, while India’s own expanding port and logistics infrastructure creates opportunities to strengthen these connections.
The panel also highlighted the importance of MSMEs in this emerging economic architecture. Large bilateral agreements often receive the greatest attention, but the long-term value of international economic cooperation ultimately depends on whether smaller enterprises can participate. Licensing costs, market-entry barriers, standards, financing and access to distribution networks remain important considerations for businesses seeking to internationalise.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the discussion, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President, United Diplomatic Council, said: “The future of global cooperation will be shaped by our ability to build bridges between regions, institutions and economies. BRICS and the Commonwealth represent important networks in that evolving landscape, and India has a meaningful opportunity to bring these conversations closer to business, investment and sustainable development.”
The panel at the UDC United Economic BRICS Business Summit thus moved the conversation from institutions to opportunities—from geopolitical groupings to economic linkages, and from dialogue to the practical architecture of cooperation. As global markets continue to evolve, the ability to connect businesses, capital, technology and people across these platforms may become an important dimension of India’s engagement with the emerging global economic order.
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