BRICS Evolution and Expansion
BRICS began in 2009 with just Brazil, Russia, India, and China; South Africa joined in 2011, forming the current BRICS.
Over time, the group faced challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, China-India border tensions, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but survived and rejuvenated.
The 15th summit led to the inclusion of five new members: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
34 more countries expressed interest in joining, showing BRICS's growing global influence.
Key Focus Areas and Principles
BRICS does not seek to create a new world order but aims to reform the current system to make it more inclusive and representative.
The BRICS spirit emphasizes mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, collaboration, and consensus.
It focuses on three main cooperation verticals:
Political and security (focusing on conflict resolution and peacebuilding),
Economic and financial (promoting sustainable development),
Cultural and people-to-people cooperation (enhancing social and cultural ties).
Global Cooperation and Reform Initiatives
UN reform remains a top priority, with BRICS pushing for a more prominent role for Global South nations in the UN Security Council.
However, China’s reluctance to extend support for new permanent members remains an obstacle.
BRICS advocates the elimination of unilateral economic sanctions, calling them contrary to international law and harmful to human rights.
India's Strategic Role
India’s participation in BRICS strengthens its vision of a multipolar world and allows it to exercise strategic autonomy.
BRICS provides India with a platform to engage with Russia, deepen ties, and promote Global South interests.
At the Kazan summit, India also played a crucial role in facilitating a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping, leading to border agreements and efforts to improve China-India relations.
Expansion and Future Outlook
BRICS expansion continues with the addition of partner states from Latin America, Eurasia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
13 new countries were invited as partner states, which will expand BRICS’s global influence in terms of population, GDP, and international trade.
Brazil’s 2025 summit could see further members integrated, but these countries are likely to push for full membership soon.
BRICS offers India an opportunity to be a bridge between the Global South and the Global North, enhancing India’s geopolitical importance globally
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