Central Idea

The BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has extended invitations to six additional countries, namely Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
This move aims to bolster the collective voice of the Global South and foster multipolarity in the international arena.

Why discuss this?

As BRICS broadens its membership, it strengthens its claim to represent nearly half the world’s population and includes key oil-producing nations.
However, concerns also arise regarding China’s increasing influence within the alliance.

Heft and Influence: The inclusion of new members enhances BRICS’s position as a spokesperson for the developing world. The alliance currently represents 40% of the global population and over a quarter of the world’s GDP. With the addition of new members, it will encompass almost half the world’s population and include major oil-producing nations.
Global Solidarity: BRICS’s growth is driven by anti-US sentiment and a desire for multipolarity among countries in the Global South. It serves as a platform where nations can express solidarity and challenge Western-dominated narratives.

Emergence of BRICS: Established in 2009, BRICS initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. The alliance aimed to showcase the economic potential of these emerging markets.
Challenges and Opportunities: While BRICS’s economic performance has varied, geopolitical shifts like the Ukraine conflict have propelled it into a bloc with the potential to challenge Western influence and provide an alternative viewpoint.

Unanimous Decisions: BRICS decisions require unanimous agreement from all members. While Russia and China face geopolitical challenges with the West, Brazil, South Africa, and India maintain significant partnerships with the US and Europe.
China’s Role: China is driving BRICS’s expansion, making membership expansion a core agenda item.
Inclusion of Iran: China and Russia’s influence is evident in the inclusion of Iran, highlighting their collaboration. This move brings together regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran within the same alliance, reflecting China’s mediation efforts.
Saudi Arabia’s Shift: Saudi Arabia’s inclusion marks its pursuit of a more independent foreign policy, diverging from its traditional US alliance.
Global Significance for Iran and Russia: For Iran and Russia, BRICS membership signifies their global partnerships and challenges to Western dominance.

Balancing Act: India’s participation in the G7 summit and Quad summit reflects its multifaceted foreign policy approach. While engaging with Western alliances, India also places importance on its “anti-Western” stance within BRICS.
BRICS as a Non-Western Bloc: India views BRICS as a “non-Western” group and strives to maintain its independent voice within the alliance.
Concerns for India: Amid expansion, there are concerns that BRICS could tilt more toward China, potentially side-lining India’s interests.

BRICS’s expansion signifies a step toward global multipolarity, providing a platform for diverse countries to unite against Western-centric narratives.
As the alliance grows, it gains greater representation and influence, strengthening the collective voice of the Global South.
However, with China’s increased influence, there are also legitimate concerns about the balance of power within BRICS and its impact on individual member states.