By outdoor-nature-child.com During an interview focused on the recent developments within the Brics group, we explored the implications of its expansion and the dynamics of its membership.
For years, Western critics have labeled Brics as inconsequential. However, recent events at the annual summit in Russia have begun to challenge that perception. Leaders from 36 countries, including the United Nations Secretary-General, gathered for a three-day event where Brics welcomed four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion marks a significant shift, as Brics had previously added only one new member since its inception in 2006.
The buzz surrounding Brics is growing, especially as it positions itself as a counterweight to Western-led global governance models. India, perhaps the most Western-aligned member of Brics, emerges as one of the biggest beneficiaries of this evolution. With strong ties to new members like Egypt and the UAE, India stands to enhance its trade relationships and security partnerships in the region. Moreover, the original members of Brics continue to provide valuable support to India as it navigates its foreign policy.
The recent developments allow Delhi to assert its commitment to close ties with Russia, despite Western attempts to isolate it. Collaborating with China within Brics offers India an opportunity to gradually ease tensions, particularly following a border agreement announced just before the summit. This allows Prime Minister Narendra Modi some diplomatic leverage to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the event.
Crucially, Brics aligns with India’s foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy, promoting a balanced approach without formal alliances. India’s participation in Brics complements its relations within the Indo-Pacific Quad and ties with Western powers.
The group’s recent joint statement reflects principles that resonate with India: a focus on engaging with the Global South, promoting multilateralism, and advocating for UN reform, which includes India’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
However, this rising momentum could pose challenges for India as Brics moves forward. With the inclusion of countries like Iran, there are concerns about a potential anti-Western tilt within the group. India aims to maintain a balancing act between Western and non-Western relationships without becoming part of a perceived anti-West coalition.
Despite these fears, Brics is not inherently anti-Western. Most new members maintain close ties with the West, and potential future members also include countries like Turkey and Vietnam, which have strong Western connections. Even if Brics were to accept more members with anti-West sentiments, the organization may struggle to implement initiatives that directly challenge Western interests.
The recent summit highlighted ambitious plans for an international payment system to counter the US dollar and evade sanctions. However, skepticism remains regarding Brics’ ability to implement substantial changes given its diverse membership and differing interests.
Though India has constructive relationships within Brics, friction among new members poses additional challenges. Relationships between Iran, Egypt, and the UAE, as well as between Egypt and Ethiopia, highlight existing tensions that could complicate cooperation.
While there is hope that the recent easing of China-India tensions could benefit Brics, the reality is that significant issues persist. An ongoing border dispute and complex rivalries in South Asia may hinder a genuine rapprochement.
Brics currently offers Delhi a balanced platform to engage with a growing network of allies that share core values. This alignment not only enhances India’s position regarding the West but also ensures that Brics remains focused on collaborative, non-controversial initiatives. The most likely outcomes from the summit are partnerships centered on climate change, health, and science and technology—areas that foster cooperation rather than conflict with Western nations.
Overall, as Brics continues to evolve, it is poised to redefine its role on the global stage, providing a nuanced platform for member nations, particularly India, to navigate their geopolitical aspirations without alienating significant partners.