“The BRICS test for India’s multipolarity rhetoric”

Source: The post is based on articles

“The BRICS test for India’s multipolarity rhetoric” published in The Hindu on 22^nd August 2023 and

“We face hard options on the BRICS architecture” published in Live Mint on 22^nd August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Relevance: challenges with India in BRICS

News: The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit is being held in South Africa.

What is the importance of BRICS?

BRICS got stronger due to global changes in world politics and problems within the United Nations. BRICS holds broader global representation than UNSC and G-7. 

Global institutions have failed to bring global governance because they lack representation. BRICS steps in to fill this gap. Around 40 countries want to join BRICS reflects Global South’s discontent with their global status.

Hence, amid global uncertainty, countries seeking recognition could use BRICS to shape geopolitics.

However, BRICS and SCO might not lead to fully democratic global governance due to conflicts and hierarchies. But they could start discussions for creating more inclusive global governance.

Where does India stand in the global order?

India’s current geopolitical decisions lack clarity. India’s position of being part of multiple groups like the Quad, G-20, G-7, BRICS, SCO, and the global South simultaneously, raises questions about its stand.

India joined non-Western groups due to undemocratic post-World War II institutions like IMF and UNSC. But India isn’t against the U.S./West.

India is connected to BRICS, SCO, and the global South due to its development, geography and history. However, China’s dominance in these groups creates issues for India.

While India’s trajectory aligns with G-20, G-7, and the Quad, gaining significant influence in these powerful forums is tough.

Hence, India is caught between an emerging geopolitical divide where both sides acknowledge India’s interests but India doesn’t entirely align with either. This makes it more challenging for India to maintain equilibrium.

What are the challenges with India?

India wants a world with many powerful countries working together in new ways. But it needs to be careful that its actions don’t make China even stronger.

While it’s good to create new groups and promote de-dollarization, these changes could also help China become more powerful.

China’s size, economy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and diplomacy will likely shape groups like BRICS, which could be challenging for India due to its own limitations.

When India works to make non-western groups and systems stronger, it unintentionally aids China’s revisionist agenda.

Hence, India needs to balance two main objectives: advocating for a fair and inclusive global governance system while safeguarding its own interests. 

It’s also essential for India to limit China’s dominance in non-western groups, but also avoid isolating other global South nations who might support China’s push to expand these forums.

BRICS now has five nations, and even with more joining, China’s influence might still stay strong. India joined BRICS for economic growth, but if it becomes political, India might get involved in unexpected issues, especially with China.

What lies ahead?

India faces the challenge of finding its place in both non-western forums like BRICS and SCO while limiting China’s influence. It also needs to balance Western demands and maintain its position in groups like UNSC and G-7.

India’s relations with the US and the West grew due to China’s actions and Indo-Pacific trade importance. While India joined BRICS for its gains, China’s role complicates matters. Hence, India should be cautious about too much involvement in BRICS.