Express View on BRICS: In uncharted waters

Source– The post is based on the article “Express View on BRICS: In uncharted waters” published in the “The Indian Express” and “Brics & Beijing” published in “The Times of India” on 24th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Regional and global groupings

News– The article explains the issues of expansion of BRICS membership and challenges faced by the grouping.

What are the reasons behind the Chinese and Russian push for BRICS expansion?

Firstly, China and Russia are looking to transform BRICS as a counter to US-led Multilateral system.

Secondly, both Russia and China hope to create new strategic and diplomatic space for themselves through an expanded BRICS as both face Western sanctions and pressure.

Thirdly, by admission of new states with authoritarian regimes China and Russia want to project authoritarian regimes standing upto western democracies.

What are the reasons behind countries for pushing their inclusion in BRICS

Firstly, the countries of the global south want to gain strategic autonomy by their inclusion in BRICS.

Secondly, countries from the global south want to stand up to western pressures by using the platform of BRICS.

Lastly, countries eyeing for BRICS membership want to use BRICS to get their economic concerns addressed especially after COVID-19 and Ukraine war.

What are the arguments for and against BRICS Expansion

Against: it will make BRICS less efficient. There will be difficulty in reaching consensus on contentious issues and declarations, given the wide ranging economic and political differences between the member countries.

For: it will put pressure on the west to end its prolonged neglect of the global south. BRICS can become a counter to groupings like G7 which are west dominated.

What are the existing Fault lines between the member states of BRICS

Firstly, India and China are engaged in border disputes in eastern Ladakh.

Secondly, India has been advocating for resilient supply chains which aims at diversification of supply chains away from China.

Thirdly, China has been using the BRICS platform to target US while other members like India, South Africa and Brazil have deepened their engagement with US.

Lastly, newly admitted members like Saudi Arabia and Iran have deep sense of suspicion and animosity despite Chinese efforts to ensure peace between them.

What should be India’s Role in the Expanded BRICS

India has allowed for expansion of BRICS but has insisted on finalization of membership criterion for expansion. India has asserted its heft in the recent meeting of BRICS.

However, India will need to smartly play the role of balancer in the forum to prevent BRICS from becoming a Chinese-talk shop.