BRICS has grown significantly, expanding its influence globally. Initially, the West doubted its power, but the recent summit in Russia showed just how much the group has advanced. Leaders from 36 nations, including the UN Secretary-General, gathered at the summit, where four new members joined: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. This is a big change for BRICS, which last added South Africa back in 2010.
BRICS is seen as an alternative to Western-led systems, which benefits India greatly. India, the most Western-aligned BRICS member, gains from both the group’s growth and the countries joining it. India has long-standing connections with new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE all have strong trade and diplomatic ties with Delhi. This growth within BRICS also allows India to stay close to Russia, while cautiously engaging with China to manage their border issues, as reported by BBC.
BRICS’ expansion supports India’s core foreign policy of maintaining independence while balancing relationships with various global powers. This approach aligns with India’s goal to connect with both Western and non-Western allies, fitting its needs in a multipolar world. As BBC notes, BRICS’ focus on supporting the Global South and reforms to the UN aligns with India’s goals, such as aiming for a permanent UN Security Council seat and opposing Western sanctions that affect its partnerships.
However, some fear BRICS could turn anti-West. Adding nations like Iran, and potentially others like Cuba, might seem to point in that direction. Yet, as BBC explains, BRICS isn’t anti-Western; its members still work with Western nations. For instance, Turkey and Vietnam have close Western ties, showing BRICS is not forming an anti-West bloc.
Even if more critical countries join, internal conflicts among BRICS members could limit its ability to act against the West. India can comfortably support BRICS without risking its Western relationships.
The recent summit’s joint statement emphasized non-controversial goals—like climate change, education, health, and science—that avoid provoking the West.
For India, this cooperation is ideal, as it showcases a strong BRICS without creating tension with the West. This direction reassures the West that BRICS’ growth doesn’t threaten their interests.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2verz8ggo