Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Regional and global groupings, Issue: Role of BRICS in the current world order.
Context:
The BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is meeting in Rio de Janeiro for a summit hosted by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva.
Key Highlights:
- Backdrop to the movement: The summit comes amid growing concerns over U.S. unilateralism and trade protectionism, especially following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
- Significance of the BRICS summit:
- Common Agenda Against US Protectionism: Leaders signed a joint statement criticizing “Unjustified unilateral protectionist measures” and “Indiscriminate raising” of tariffs
- Consensus Among Members: All BRICS members agree Trump-era tariffs are non-productive. Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo (South Africa) stated that the tariffs are not good for the world economy or development.”
- Attempt to Fill the US-Led Global Void: As the US alienates allies and focuses on an “America First” agenda, BRICS seeks to occupy the leadership void and position itself as a defender of multilateralism and free trade.
- Expansion and Global Significance: With the addition of new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, UAE, BRICS now represents 40% of global GDP and half of the world’s population.
- Aspiring Global Role: Countries like China support strengthening BRICS’ strategic role in global governance.
But Challenges abound:
- Lack of common purpose: Though founded in 2009, BRICS struggled for over a decade to define a common purpose due to lack of shared values and limited coherence beyond being large emerging economies
- Leadership Absences: Chinese President Xi Jinping skips the meeting while the Russian President Putin avoids attending to save Brazil from the dilemma of arresting him (war crimes allegations).
- Weak Internal Cohesion: Despite projecting unity, internal divergence persists due to limited unity in values or global vision and incoherence risk with the addition of new members.
- Expansion risks: Though expansion gives BRICS more heft in global affairs, it also risks further weakening cohesion and common purpose.
Implications for India:
- Diplomatic Leverage: A more assertive BRICS helps India promote a multipolar world.
- Strategic Autonomy: It aligns with India’s goal to reduce Western dependence in global forums.
- Cautioned approach: India must carefully navigate tensions (e.g., China’s assertiveness, Russia’s isolation) to protect its strategic interests.
Conclusion: BRICS seeks to redefine global order amidst US retreat. Yet, internal divisions, leadership absences, and weak coherence may continue to limit its effectiveness as a global alternative. Its future lies in balancing expansion with unity and purpose.
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