BRICS and Bollywood: The Unexpected Harmony of Diplomacy

The recent BRICS summit in New Delhi was notable not just for the usual geopolitics and trade negotiations, but also for a brief moment of musical diplomacy between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Indian hosts. As the two leaders took to singing Bollywood classics on the sidelines of the meeting, it sparked enthusiastic reactions from Indians on social media.

The sight of world leaders belting out Hindi songs may seem incongruous with high-stakes talks that usually dominate such gatherings. However, in this case, it appears to have struck a chord – both literally and figuratively. The performances included renditions of Kishore Kumar’s “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” and Mukesh’s “Dost Dost Na Raha,” which were met with warmth and appreciation by the Indian audience.

Anwar’s penchant for singing is well-documented, having broken out into song on numerous occasions during his campaign rallies and diplomatic meetings. This behavior has been interpreted as a way to connect with audiences or deflect attention from more pressing issues. His decision to sing at the BRICS summit may have been an attempt to forge a personal connection with Indian leaders, especially in the absence of tangible economic agreements.

The fact that Anwar’s performances were met with enthusiasm from Indians is telling. It suggests that there is still goodwill and affection for Malaysia among its southern neighbor. This could be an important factor in ongoing negotiations between the two countries on trade and infrastructure development.

Anwar’s musical exploits also raise questions about the role of personality politics in international relations. Leaders are increasingly expected to project a personal brand that can transcend national interests. Anwar’s ability to connect with audiences through music may be seen as an asset in this regard, particularly given his upcoming election campaign.

However, not all Malaysians were equally enthused by their leader’s singing exploits. Some comments on social media expressed skepticism about the timing and implications of his performances. With elections scheduled for early 2028, Anwar’s Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has been putting pressure on him to dissolve Parliament and call polls.

As Malaysia navigates this delicate period in its politics, it will be interesting to see how Anwar’s diplomatic efforts – both musical and otherwise – shape the country’s relationships with its regional partners. Will his ability to connect with leaders through shared cultural experiences prove to be a valuable asset in these negotiations? Or will it remain a sideshow to more pressing economic and security concerns?

One thing is certain: even the most unlikely moments can hold significant weight in international diplomacy. Anwar’s performances at the BRICS summit demonstrate that sometimes all it takes is a little bit of music to break down barriers and forge new connections. The ballad of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s singing exploits may have been played out in New Delhi, but its implications will be felt for some time to come.