Chandigarh University MUN 2026: Gauri Shankar Gupta says India’s diplomatic position can help reconcile differences within BRICS
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), September 12, 2026: India’s unique diplomatic position and its strong ties with both the West and the Global South can help bridge differences within the expanded BRICS grouping, former diplomat Dr Gauri Shankar Gupta said while speaking at the Chandigarh University Model United Nations (CU-MUN) 2026 at Chandigarh University on Saturday.
Gupta, former Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO and former Head of Administration in the Ministry of External Affairs, said India maintains strong relations with countries on different sides of the geopolitical divide, including Russia and the US, giving it an important role in facilitating dialogue.
“India is the only country which is friendly with the West and also with the Global South and the East. We have equally good relations with Russia as well as the US and that is why these countries choose India as their partner,” Gupta said.
He said this position assumes greater significance as India hosts the BRICS Summit, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy could help reconcile differences among countries with competing interests and perspectives.
Gupta also said India could play a role in facilitating dialogue between Israel and Iran. “India can also bring reconciliation between Israel and Iran because we are the only country which can talk to both of them and bring them together,” he said.
Speaking about reforms in global institutions, Gupta said the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions continue to reflect the power structure that existed after World War II, despite major changes in the global geopolitical and economic landscape.
He said emerging powers such as India, China and countries in Africa and Latin America deserve greater and more meaningful representation in international institutions. According to him, the lack of appropriate representation is contributing to the paralysis of decision-making at the UN.
Gupta also spoke about the growing debate over de-dollarisation and BRICS alternatives to the US-led financial system. He said replacing the US dollar with another dominant currency should not be the objective. Instead, BRICS countries could explore a common or BRICS currency and bilateral payment mechanisms to facilitate direct transactions between countries.
The two-day CU-MUN 2026 brought together more than 300 students from over 60 institutions across 10 states and UTs at the Chandigarh University campus. Students assumed the roles of diplomats, policymakers and political representatives and participated in simulated UN and parliamentary proceedings.
The conference focused on issues including emerging military technologies and weapons of mass destruction, women and girls in conflict zones, electoral reforms and inclusive development. The event was attended by Gupta as Chief Guest, while Bhanu Pathak, former consultant at Wipro and TEDx speaker, was the Guest of Honour. Dr Jagdeesh Kannan, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Chandigarh University, was also among the dignitaries present.
Addressing the participants, Pathak emphasised the importance of personal branding and digital identity, urging students and young professionals to use digital platforms to showcase their knowledge, skills, opinions and professional journeys.
The conference featured five committees dealing with international security, human rights, Indian democracy and development. The UN General Assembly committee deliberated on challenges to strategic stability arising from emerging military technologies and weapons of mass destruction.
CU-MUN 2026 also featured a prize pool of more than Rs 1.30 lakh, with awards for participants across the principal committees and the International Press Corps.