Mushahid Hussain Critiques US Sanctions at BRICS Seminar in Moscow

MOSCOW: The BRICS Seminar held in Moscow recently brought together influential leaders and thinkers from various countries, focusing on the evolving dynamics of global politics. Among the notable speakers was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who heads the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI). His keynote address highlighted significant geopolitical shifts and the implications of recent U.S. sanctions against Pakistan and China.

During his speech, Senator Mushahid expressed optimism about Pakistan's potential membership in BRICS, stating, "Pakistan looks forward to joining BRICS." He emphasized the "winds of change blowing all across South Asia," which he believes reject the existing hegemony and status quo. This sentiment reflects the recent political transformations in neighboring countries like the Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Senator Mushahid was particularly critical of the U.S. sanctions imposed on Pakistan and China, labeling them as "immoral, unjust, unacceptable and illegal." He pointed out that, according to International Law, sanctions can only be imposed by the UN Security Council, thus questioning the legitimacy of the U.S. actions. Furthermore, he condemned what he described as Western hypocrisy regarding the ongoing situation in Palestine.

In his address, he noted that the current Global Order is characterized by turbulence and transformation, presenting two contrasting narratives. On one hand, China and the Global South are prioritizing connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation. On the other hand, the U.S. appears to be fostering a New Cold War mentality, as evidenced by the recent QUAD meeting led by President Joe Biden, where he reiterated his focus on China.

Senator Mushahid urged the attendees to craft a new narrative that reflects the emerging realities on the ground, aiming to counteract the prevalent propaganda, fake news, and disinformation. He proposed a comprehensive 3-D strategy for BRICS, which includes: the democratization of the world order based on multipolarity and multilateralism, the demilitarization of international relations by rejecting new military alliances like the 'Asian NATO', QUAD, or AUKUS, and the dedollarization of the world economy to promote greater trade in non-dollar currencies.

His remarks were well-received by the audience, including Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Envoy of President Putin, and Wang Gang, China’s Minister for International Communication. The seminar also featured representatives from other BRICS nations, including India, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE, with Senator Mushahid being the sole representative from a non-BRICS member state.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed's address at the BRICS Seminar underscores the shifting landscape of international relations, where emerging economies are seeking to redefine their roles in a multipolar world. As countries like Pakistan look to align more closely with BRICS, the call for a new narrative and strategy becomes increasingly relevant. The future of global cooperation may very well depend on how these nations navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics, fostering a more equitable and just world order.