India’s recent diplomatic tour of Brazil, Ghana, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina marks its growing leadership in the Global South. Anchored by the BRICS summit in Brazil, India reinforced its ambition to influence global governance. The country seeks to empower emerging economies and promote regional cooperation. This strategy counters dominant powers in multilateral forums and boosts South-South collaboration.
India’s Global South Vision
India aims to amplify the voice of developing nations. Its presidency of the G20 in 2023 saw the African Union included for the first time. This move set a precedent mirrored in BRICS expansion. The bloc now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE under BRICS+. Many countries from Africa, West Asia, and Latin America view BRICS as a credible platform to advance their interests.
Evolution and Economic Strength of BRICS
BRICS began in the early 2000s from the RIC grouping involving Russia, and China. Brazil and South Africa later joined, creating BRICS. The group aims to build a multipolar world order. Today, BRICS economies collectively exceed $60 trillion in purchasing power parity, surpassing the G7. This growth is driven by dynamic economies in Asia and the Global South.
Challenges Within BRICS
Despite unity, tensions persist, especially between India and China. Border conflicts in 2013, 2017, and 2020 have strained relations. India remains cautious about attempts to include Pakistan in BRICS, given security concerns. Recent diplomatic incidents, such as India’s refusal to endorse a joint communiqué at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence meeting, show these sensitivities.
India’s Strategic Balancing Act
India balances its BRICS engagement with other global partnerships. External Affairs Minister’s participation in the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting puts stress on this. India supports a multipolar world by working in South-South platforms and with like-minded countries. Its focus includes security, economic cooperation, stable supply chains, and freedom of navigation.
Economic Cooperation and Technological Leadership
BRICS offers vast economic cooperation potential. India’s expertise in fintech, space technology, digital infrastructure, and green energy is valuable for member states. Initiatives like BRICS Cross-Border Payments promote local currency trade. India is cautious about a common BRICS currency but supports enhancing domestic currency transactions, especially with new oil-producing members.
Diplomatic Milestones at the Brazil Summit
The Brazil summit showcased diplomatic gains for India. BRICS condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, aligning with India’s stance. The joint declaration supported India and Brazil’s bid for permanent UN Security Council membership. BRICS also endorsed India’s ambition to host COP33 in 2028, recognising its leadership in climate action.
India’s Vision for a Multipolar Global Order
India rejects binary global alignments reminiscent of the Cold War. It promotes the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘the world is one family’. India calls for reforms in global institutions to reflect current realities. Its BRICS presidency next year is an opportunity to push for a balanced and inclusive international order focused on development, security, and innovation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the significance of BRICS in the current global economic order and estimate its impact on emerging economies.
- Critically analyse India’s foreign policy approach towards balancing relations within multilateral forums like BRICS and the Quad with suitable examples.
- Underline the challenges posed by regional conflicts and security concerns in shaping India’s participation in international groupings such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.
- What are the implications of digital and technological cooperation among Global South countries for sustainable development? Discuss with reference to India’s initiatives.
