BRICS at a Crossroads: India's Role in a Shifting Global Order
BRICS at a crossroads
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
Context
BRICS is an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at creating a multipolar world to counter Western dominance. The recent geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, have tested BRICS's unity and India's leadership role within it.
What The Author Says
The author argues that India's failure to assert itself as a leader in BRICS undermines the bloc's potential to challenge U.S. hegemony and reflects a troubling alignment with Western interests.
Key Arguments
📗 Facts
- BRICS was formed to counterbalance the post-1945 global order dominated by the U.S.
- Iran joined BRICS in 2024, reflecting the bloc's expanding influence.
- The U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran in June 2025, killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
📕 Opinions
- India's silence on the Iranian crisis reflects a significant failure in its leadership role.
- The Modi government has abandoned India's historical non-alignment in favor of alignment with U.S. interests.
- The current geopolitical situation presents an opportunity for India to reclaim its moral leadership on the global stage.
Counterpoints
India's alignment with the U.S. may enhance its security.
By cooperating with the U.S., India might gain strategic advantages and bolster its defense capabilities against regional threats.
BRICS's internal divisions are a natural consequence of diverse member interests.
Each BRICS member has unique geopolitical concerns, making a unified stance challenging and perhaps unrealistic.
The U.S. strategy may not be as effective as perceived.
The U.S. has faced significant backlash and resistance in various regions, indicating that its influence may be waning rather than strengthening.
Bias Assessment
The author presents a critical view of India's leadership while emphasizing the need for a cohesive BRICS response, potentially overlooking the complexities of international diplomacy.
Why This Matters
The geopolitical landscape is shifting as the U.S. seeks to reassert its influence globally, particularly in the Global South. India's position as the current chair of BRICS makes its response to these tensions critical for the bloc's future.
🤔 Think About
- •What are the implications of India's alignment with the U.S. for its relationships with other BRICS members?
- •Could a more neutral stance allow India to mediate effectively between conflicting powers?
- •How might BRICS evolve if India continues to prioritize its ties with the West?
- •What alternative strategies could India pursue to strengthen its leadership role in BRICS?
Opens original article on The Hindu
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