The BRICS summit held in Kazan from 22-24 October was the first meeting of the expanded group, with many global south countries expressing interest in joining. Despite skepticism from Western analysts, the growing interest from developing nations indicates the potential longevity of the bloc. However, internal tensions, particularly between India and China, pose a significant threat to its effectiveness. These tensions were highlighted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his closing speech at the summit, cautioning against the group being seen as divisive.
While India aims to reform the existing global order by seeking a seat at the table, China and Russia position BRICS as a counterforce to the West. China led the drive to expand the group beyond the original four members, aiming to create a significant economic bloc. This expansion initially raised concerns for India and Brazil, but they eventually embraced it to maintain influence. The growth of BRICS was seen as a way to counter Western dominance and elevate the global south’s standing.
China’s push for expansion was also driven by economic considerations, as countries like South Africa and Brazil faced economic challenges aggravated by the pandemic. China believed that a larger BRICS group could bring economic vitality and offer an alternative to Western-led institutions. However, the expansion also raised concerns over diluting the original purpose of the bloc and complicating decision-making processes.
India and China have historical grievances against the Western-dominated global order and have joined forces with other emerging nations to advocate for reform. While China views BRICS as a platform to challenge Western hegemony and promote regional cooperation, India focuses on reforming multilateral institutions and boosting South-South cooperation.
Despite their shared concerns about American hegemony, India and China differ in their strategic approaches within BRICS. China aims to supersede Western institutions and cooperate with other emerging economies, while India emphasizes reforming the existing order and maintaining a leadership role in the global south.
While the recent border agreement between India and China could lead to temporary cooperation, deep-rooted strategic differences suggest ongoing challenges within BRICS. India will continue to engage with the bloc to prevent Chinese dominance and uphold its strategic autonomy. The rivalry between India and China may limit BRICS’ influence internationally, focusing more on issues like climate change and public health rather than larger geopolitical goals.
Despite internal tensions, BRICS will likely remain intact to serve the national interests of its members. India will use the bloc to reform Western-dominated institutions, while China will prioritize countering the U.S. within the forum. The competition within BRICS to shape its future will be intense, with differing visions between China and Russia on one side and India and Brazil on the other.
