Mains Marathon

Approach

Begin by giving aims and objectives of BRICS. Discuss some challenges within BRICS nation. Discuss how can India bridge the gap by shedding its past ideology. Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP and 16% of the global trade.

• This association constitutes both an evolving investment frontier and a substantial global influence. For India, BRICS holds strategic significance, particularly during periods marked by considerable geopolitical volatility.

Challenges within BRICS nations:

• Varied Political Structures and Values: While Brazil, India and South Africa are democratic, China and Russia are not.
  • The structure of financial systems, levels of income, education, inequality, health challenges also differ substantially within BRICS which makes it hard for them to speak with a unified voice and to co-ordinate action.
• Different Geopolitical Agenda: The Brasilia declaration notes shared perceptions on global economic and financial governance. However, their interpretation by each country depends on its national interest in specific circumstances.
  • On expansion of the UN Security Council, BRICS exposed its disunity yet again by sticking to the formulation that refuses to go beyond China and Russia supporting the “aspiration” of Brazil, India and South Africa “to play a greater role in the UN”.
  • Also, the China-Pak axis will always be a hindrance for India to fully cooperate with China. China’s rejection of NSG membership to India is an example.
• Diverging Long-term Economic Goals of Member Countries: Though the five nations have greatly increased their combined economic heft since the turn of the century, the share is imbalanced. Brazil, Russia and South Africa’s shares of global output have shrunk since 2000.
  • Despite their combined population accounting for 40% of humanity, intra-BRICS trade still makes up just 15% of world trade.
  • Brazil also took India to WTO dispute resolution for sugar production.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: Conflicting interests and regional rivalries can hinder unified action.
  • The India-China border dispute impacting trust and cooperation within the group.
  • China's territorial claims and military buildup in the South China Sea have caused tensions with other BRICS members, particularly India and South Africa, which support freedom of navigation.
• Security Concerns: Disagreements on security issues can undermine collective efforts.
  • Differences in approaches to addressing terrorism among member states.
  • Brazil's support for a more open and decentralized internet clashes with China's preference for state control.
  • India's security choices balancing its relations with the U.S. and Russia can affect its role within BRICS.
• Institutional Inertia: Establishing effective mechanisms for collaboration can be slow and cumbersome.
  • Delays in the operationalization of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement due to bureaucratic hurdles.
• Ukraine Crisis with Russia: The primary agenda of BRICS was rebalancing an international system dominated by the West.

India can overcome challenges within BRICS nations:

• Bilateral Diplomacy: Engage in direct and private talks with individual BRICS members to address concerns and build stronger relationships.
  • India's high-level diplomatic engagements with Russia to navigate sensitive issues like defense agreements and regional conflicts.
• Coalition Building: Form alliances within BRICS to advance common interests and counterbalance potential rivalries.
  • India partnering with South Africa and Brazil to collectively advocate for greater representation in international financial institutions.
• Shared Security Interests: Focus on areas of shared security concerns, like counterterrorism or cybersecurity, to build trust and cooperation.
  • India collaborating with fellow BRICS members to establish joint initiatives to combat cyber threats.
• Strategic Alignment: Align with BRICS nations on specific global issues where interests converge, such as climate change or UN reform.
  • Collaborating with China and Russia to push for a common approach to climate negotiations on international platforms.
• Diplomatic Flexibility: Utilize diplomacy to navigate complex relationships and find common ground on contentious issues.
  • India's approach of engaging in dialogue with China to manage border disputes.
• Multilateral Institutions: Use multilateral platforms like the New Development Bank to address development challenges and enhance cooperation.
  • Contributing to NDB projects that align with India's and other member nations' development goals.
• Economic Pragmatism: Prioritize economic cooperation and trade ties to foster interdependence and mitigate political differences.
  • India's efforts to enhance trade with China despite geopolitical tensions.

Prime Minister Modi at BRICS Summit 2021 said that "BRICS has achieved several successes in its journey. Our mutual trust and confidence are increasing. The G20 and the United Nations are both in need of reforms. In this situation, the role of BRICS becomes even more important. BRICS countries can play an important role in both these organizations."