BRICS Expansion and India’s Role in Global Governance

Understanding BRICS and its Expanding Horizons

• BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, emerged as a key intergovernmental body representing major emerging economies, fostering cooperation.

• Founded on a multipolar world vision, BRICS initially prioritized economic collaboration, trade, and inclusive development among its members.

• The recent expansion signifies BRICS’s growing global influence, aiming to reshape global governance and advocate for a more equitable international order.

Drivers Behind BRICS Expansion

• BRICS expansion is propelled by evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes, reflecting a global desire for diversified power centers.

• **Multipolarity:** Many Global South nations seek alternatives to existing multilateral frameworks, often perceived as unrepresentative.

• **Economic Rebalancing:** The enlarged BRICS, commanding significant global GDP and population share, advocates for a more balanced global economic architecture.

• **Global South Voice:** The expanded group aims to amplify developing countries’ perspectives on critical global issues, including climate action, trade, and finance.

• **Strategic Autonomy:** Members strive for greater independence and diversified partnerships, reducing reliance on single geopolitical axes.

The Expanded BRICS: New Members and Impact

• The latest BRICS expansion welcomed new members, significantly broadening the bloc’s geographical scope.

• **New Entrants:** Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE officially joined from January 1, 2024. (Argentina, initially invited, later withdrew).

• This inclusion integrates key energy producers and strategic economies from the Middle East and Africa, enhancing BRICS’s resource base and market access.

• The enlarged BRICS now commands a greater share of global population, land area, and economic output, solidifying its status as a significant international force.

• Expansion also diversifies internal dynamics, bringing varied political systems and economic priorities, influencing future consensus-building processes.

India’s Enduring Role in BRICS’s Evolution

• As a founding member, India has been instrumental in shaping BRICS’s agenda, consistently advocating for inclusivity and a representative global order.

• India played a key role in establishing the New Development Bank (NDB), a flagship BRICS initiative funding infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

• Through BRICS, India effectively articulates developing nations’ aspirations, pushing for global governance reforms and genuine multilateralism.

• Its active participation in summits has driven discussions on crucial areas like counter-terrorism, climate change, and the digital economy.

• India’s emphasis on people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation has bolstered internal cohesion and public engagement with BRICS objectives.

India’s Pivotal Position in the Enlarged BRICS Bloc

• The expanded BRICS significantly elevates India’s role, cementing its standing as a crucial global governance actor.

• **Bridge Builder:** India’s democratic ethos and non-aligned foreign policy enable it to effectively bridge gaps among diverse member states, fostering consensus.

• **Economic Powerhouse:** India’s robust growth and vast domestic market offer substantial opportunities for intra-BRICS trade and investment, boosting collective prosperity.

• **Technological Leadership:** India’s advancements in digital public infrastructure and IT services provide avenues for technological collaboration and knowledge transfer within the bloc.

• **Advocate for Reforms:** India will continue championing reforms in global financial institutions, advocating for greater representation of emerging economies.

• **Regional Stability:** India’s strategic importance and diplomatic expertise contribute significantly to regional stability, mediating tensions among BRICS partners.

BRICS Expansion and India’s Vision for Global Governance

• The enlarged BRICS offers India an amplified platform to advance its vision for a reformed, inclusive, and equitable global governance framework.

• **Strengthening Multilateralism:** India consistently champions the reform of existing multilateral institutions to better reflect contemporary global realities.

• **Agenda Setter:** As a leading voice, India can significantly influence global agendas on critical issues such as sustainable development, climate finance, and energy security.

• **Promoting South-South Cooperation:** India’s development models and expertise can be shared, reinforcing solidarity among developing nations within the expanded bloc.

• **Countering Unilateralism:** The collective strength of the expanded BRICS acts as a crucial counterweight to unilateral tendencies, promoting a rules-based international order.

• **Financial Architecture Reform:** India, through BRICS, will continue advocating for the internationalization of local currencies and alternative financial mechanisms, diversifying global reserves.

Challenges and Opportunities for India within Expanded BRICS

• The expanded BRICS presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges for India in advancing its global aspirations.

• **Challenges:**

• **Consensus Building:** A larger, more diverse group complicates consensus on geopolitical and economic issues, demanding nuanced diplomacy.

• **Managing Internal Dynamics:** Navigating potential rivalries and differing national interests among major economies requires India’s astute diplomatic skills.

• **Divergent Agendas:** New members bring varied foreign policy priorities, which may not always align perfectly with India’s long-term strategic objectives.

• **Opportunities:**

• **Enhanced Economic Engagement:** Deeper trade and investment with new, resource-rich members bolster India’s economic growth and energy security.

• **Increased Geopolitical Clout:** A stronger BRICS amplifies India’s voice and negotiation power on the global stage, enhancing its overall influence.

• **Diversified Strategic Partnerships:** Expansion allows India to forge new and deepen existing strategic partnerships, strengthening its foreign policy.

• **Knowledge and Technology Transfer:** Collaboration with new members facilitates valuable knowledge and technology exchange across diverse sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. **What is the primary objective of BRICS?**

The primary objective of BRICS is to promote cooperation among its member states across economic, political, and cultural domains, advocating for a more representative and multipolar global order, and fostering sustainable development.

2. **Which countries recently joined BRICS?**

As of January 1, 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE officially joined BRICS. Argentina was invited but later withdrew its decision to join.

3. **How does BRICS expansion impact India’s global role?**

BRICS expansion enhances India’s global role by amplifying its voice on international platforms, increasing its geopolitical influence, and providing opportunities for deeper economic and strategic partnerships with a diverse set of emerging economies.

4. **What is the New Development Bank (NDB)?**

The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS states. Its purpose is to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries.

Stay Updated with Daily Current Affairs 2025