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Source: The post is based on the article “Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance” published in Business standard on 2nd August 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: This article discusses the potential expansion of the BRICS group. China wants more countries like Russia to join. India and Brazil prefer democracies like Indonesia over autocracies like Saudi Arabia. This reflects BRICS’ challenges in staying relevant as its original purpose has shifted. India wants a careful, consensus-based expansion approach. The upcoming August summit will address these issues.
About BRICS current situation
BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
They discuss global economic matters.
China wants countries like Russia to join.
India and Brazil prefer democracies joining, like Indonesia.
There’s debate over Saudi Arabia’s potential membership.
BRICS’ relevance has changed over time.
China’s growth and anti-Western stance influenced this change.
India now values the Quad and G20 more.
The August summit will discuss BRICS’ expansion.
India seeks a consensus-based approach to expansion.
What are the challenges faced by BRICS?
Differing Expansion Views: While China wants countries similar to Russia to join, India and Brazil lean towards democracies like Indonesia.
Potential New Members: The debate on including Saudi Arabia highlights differing priorities. While its addition would favor China, India remains cautious.
Shift in Relevance: Originally, BRICS was a stage for large emerging economies. However, China’s economic growth and its anti-Western approach have changed its focus.
China’s Dominance: The risk of BRICS becoming a “China-plus” grouping can reduce its balanced influence.
Balancing Act: India wants to stay independent of Sino-Western tensions, affecting its commitment to BRICS.
Alternate Forums: China has developed other platforms for engaging emerging countries, overshadowing BRICS.
Relevance Concern: With India valuing the Quad and G20 more, BRICS’ importance is questioned.
What should be done?
Consensus-based Expansion: All BRICS nations should agree on new members.
Objective Criteria: Use clear criteria for adding new members, not just geopolitical shifts.
Avoid Dominance: Prevent BRICS from becoming a “China-plus” group.
Value Democracy: Prefer established democracies like Indonesia over autocracies like Saudi Arabia.
Re-establish Purpose: Refocus on BRICS’ original goal of shaping the global geo-economic order.
Consistent Approach: Decisions should not be influenced by temporary geopolitical events.
