BRICS and the Changing Global Order UPSC: India’s Role in Global Governance Reform
As India presides over the BRICS Summit in Delhi, a key diplomatic challenge for New Delhi is to present BRICS as a platform for reforming global governance and strengthening the voice of emerging and developing countries. The grouping is often viewed through an anti-Western lens, but its members have diverse foreign-policy priorities and different relationships with the United States and Europe.
BRICS is therefore better understood as a coalition seeking greater agency and representation in the international system, rather than as a unified anti-Western alliance.
BRICS Is Not a Unified Anti-Western Alliance
BRICS members differ considerably in their approach towards the West. India and Brazil particularly favour institutional reform and greater representation without turning the grouping into an anti-Western bloc.
The members can broadly be placed along a spectrum. Iran is more strongly opposed to US influence, while Russia and China are engaged in strategic competition with the West but continue to seek greater influence within the international system.
Meanwhile, India, Brazil and several newer members emphasise strategic autonomy, economic cooperation and reform of international institutions rather than direct confrontation.
Brazil – Reforming the Order from Within
Brazil demonstrates why BRICS cannot simply be described as a “West versus Global South” grouping. While Brazil strongly supports reform of global institutions, its political, legal and diplomatic traditions remain connected to the broader Euro-Atlantic system.
Its foreign policy is largely guided by national interest, international law and multilateralism.
Brazil supports more efficient payment mechanisms, including the use of national currencies where beneficial. However, it does not favour making de-dollarisation or a common BRICS currency the central objective. Such a currency would require much greater economic convergence, institutional integration and political trust among members.
India – Non-Western Does Not Mean Anti-Western
India’s foreign policy is based strongly on strategic autonomy. While New Delhi does not want dependence on any single power, its partnerships with the US, Europe, Japan and Australia have expanded across trade, technology and defence.
India’s simultaneous participation in BRICS and the Quad reflects this approach of multi-alignment.
For India, BRICS is valuable because of its diversity. However, its relevance could decline if it becomes a China-led geopolitical alliance against the West. New Delhi therefore favours BRICS as a platform for global governance reform rather than bloc confrontation.
Russia and China – Competition with the West
Russia’s relationship with the West has become increasingly confrontational, particularly because of the Ukraine conflict, European security tensions and Western sanctions. Nevertheless, Moscow continues to seek recognition and influence in global affairs.
China, meanwhile, challenges US primacy in Asia and seeks to reduce vulnerabilities created by Western technology restrictions. Yet China’s economic development has also been closely linked with global markets, capital and technology. Beijing therefore seeks a greater role in shaping the existing international order, rather than complete withdrawal from it.
New Members Complicating the Anti-Western Narrative
The newer BRICS members further demonstrate the diversity within the grouping. Egypt maintains significant security ties with the US, while the UAE has extensive economic and strategic relationships with both the US and Europe.
Indonesia follows a “free and active” foreign policy, allowing it to maintain strategic flexibility among major powers.
Iran remains the strongest exception, as opposition to US and Israeli influence is deeply embedded in its foreign-policy outlook.
Way Forward for India
India can strengthen BRICS by presenting it as:
- A platform for reforming global governance, not dismantling it.
- A mechanism to enhance the voice of the Global South.
- A forum for multipolarity and strategic autonomy.
- A vehicle for cooperation in development finance, technology, trade and alternative payment systems.
- A complement to partnerships such as the Quad, rather than their geopolitical opposite.
Conclusion
BRICS is united less by hostility towards the West and more by dissatisfaction with the unequal distribution of power in global institutions. Its members have different strategic interests and varying relationships with Western powers.
For India, the most effective approach is to promote BRICS as an inclusive, reform-oriented and multipolar platform that gives greater representation to the Global South while avoiding the creation of rigid geopolitical blocs.
BRICS and the Changing Global Order UPSC-FAQs Answered
What is BRICS and why is it important in the global order?
BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and increasing the voice of developing countries. It represents efforts toward a more multipolar and inclusive global governance system.
Is BRICS an anti-Western alliance?
No, BRICS is not a unified anti-Western bloc. Its members have different foreign policy approaches, with countries like India and Brazil focusing on strategic autonomy, institutional reforms, and cooperation rather than confrontation.
What is India’s approach towards BRICS?
India views BRICS as a platform for reforming global institutions and promoting the interests of the Global South. India follows a multi-alignment strategy by engaging with BRICS while also maintaining partnerships with the US, Europe, Japan, and the Quad.
Why does India support reforms in global institutions through BRICS?
India believes existing institutions such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank require greater representation for developing countries. BRICS provides a platform to demand a fairer and more balanced international order.
What challenges does BRICS face as a global platform?
BRICS faces challenges due to differences among members in political interests, economic structures, and foreign policy priorities. Maintaining unity while balancing diverse national interests remains a major challenge for the grouping.
