The 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, marked a significant milestone for the bloc. Following its historic expansion with four new members—Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran—the summit further solidified BRICS’ influence as a representative of the Global South. Notably, Saudi Arabia has yet to formally join BRICS.
Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has increasingly taken on the role of advocating for the interests of developing nations. With its new members, BRICS now represents over 50% of the world's population and more than 35% of global GDP, positioning it as a significant player in international economic and political affairs. This expansion aligns with BRICS’ goal of fostering a multipolar world, reducing Western dominance in global systems.
The inclusion of nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE into BRICS indicates a strategic shift toward integrating major oil-exporting and geopolitically significant countries. Although Saudi Arabia has not yet officially joined, its potential membership is viewed as a means to enhance BRICS’ economic and political clout globally. This could also bolster BRICS’ influence in energy markets and discussions on de-dollarisation.
At the core of the 16th BRICS Summit was the advocacy for economic sovereignty and a multipolar global order. Discussions emphasized the need to move away from a dollar-centric trade system, with nations like Russia and China leading efforts to establish a diversified financial ecosystem that supports regional currencies. Countries such as Iran and the UAE echo this sentiment, seeking to lessen their reliance on Western financial structures.
India has positioned itself as a pivotal player within BRICS, influencing the bloc’s direction and priorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment to multipolarity and strategic autonomy, stressing that BRICS should amplify the voices of developing nations while tackling global challenges like climate change and economic inequality. India, alongside Brazil and South Africa, aims to maintain a balanced approach, avoiding exclusive alignment with Western or non-Western powers.
The Kazan Declaration underscored the necessity for enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and anti-corruption, considering these issues vital for the stability of BRICS member states. The declaration also advocated for listing all UN-designated terrorists and groups, aiming to fortify international counter-terrorism frameworks. This focus seeks to establish a more secure and accountable global order.
Economic cooperation remains a central theme for BRICS, with the bloc pursuing initiatives to foster inclusive globalization. Discussions on de-dollarisation gained traction, as Russia and China have been staunch advocates for a diversified global financial system. New members like UAE and Iran are expected to support this agenda, driven by their interests in diminishing dependence on Western financial systems.
Additionally, BRICS emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and technology to enhance connectivity across the Global South. The launch of the BRICS Digital Public Infrastructure and Transport Infrastructure Initiatives reflects the group’s commitment to improving the technological and logistical frameworks necessary for sustainable development.
The expansion of BRICS and its focus on the Global South signifies a pivotal shift in the international order. By welcoming emerging powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran, BRICS is evolving into a more diverse and representative bloc that champions the interests of developing nations. The Kazan Declaration reinforces the bloc’s commitment to equitable global governance, with initiatives in security, digital infrastructure, and economic independence laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.
As BRICS continues to evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly influential role in global affairs, particularly in countering Western-dominated multilateral institutions. With interest from over 30 countries in joining, BRICS is on track to become a key player in shaping the future of international relations.
Q1. What was the significance of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan?
Answer: The summit represented a transformative moment for BRICS, marking its expansion and reinforcing its role as a voice for the Global South, focusing on economic sovereignty and multipolarity.
Q2. Which countries joined BRICS in its recent expansion?
Answer: The recent expansion included Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, enhancing BRICS’ representation of developing nations and contributing to a multipolar world.
Q3. How does BRICS aim to reduce reliance on the US dollar?
Answer: BRICS advocates for de-dollarisation by promoting a diversified financial ecosystem that supports regional currencies and reduces dependence on Western financial systems.
Q4. What initiatives were launched during the summit?
Answer: Key initiatives included the establishment of the BRICS R&D Vaccine Centre, the BRICS Start-up Forum, and new infrastructure projects aimed at fostering innovation and development.
Q5. What is India’s role in BRICS?
Answer: India plays a crucial role in shaping BRICS’ priorities, emphasizing multipolarity and strategic autonomy while addressing global challenges and enhancing cooperation among member states.
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