BRICS, currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was originally known as BRIC before South Africa’s inclusion in 2010. BRICS represents a group of fastest-growing economies poised to dominate the world by 2050. United by shared economic potential and challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change, BRICS aims to highlight issues of the global South and challenge Western hegemony. Recently, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, potentially forming “BRICS+,” significantly poised to impact the global order and India’s strategic interests.

Geopolitical Implications of BRICS Expansion:

• Diversification of Global Influence: The inclusion of new members broadens the representation of emerging economies, challenging the dominance of Western-led institutions.
  For example: The addition of Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, shifts energy dynamics and reduces Western influence over global energy markets.
• Strengthening of Multilateralism: Expansion promotes a multipolar world order, encouraging a shift from bilateralism to multilateralism in global governance.
  For example: With countries like Iran and UAE, BRICS can foster dialogue and cooperation in volatile regions like the Middle East.
• Economic Collaboration: Enhanced economic collaboration among a larger group can lead to increased trade and investment flows within BRICS, fostering economic growth.
  For instance: Trade agreements within an expanded BRICS could reduce tariffs and barriers, boosting intra-BRICS commerce.
• Political Cohesion: The expansion can foster greater political cohesion among member states, enabling them to present a united front on international issues.
  For instance: Coordinated positions in international forums such as the United Nations can enhance the collective bargaining power of BRICS.
• Balance of Power: With the addition of new members, BRICS can act as a counterbalance to the influence of G7 and other Western alliances.
  For example: By including countries like Egypt and Ethiopia, BRICS can strengthen its influence in Africa, reducing Western dominance.

Drawbacks of Expansion of BRICS on Geopolitical Landscape

• Increased Geopolitical Tensions: The inclusion of countries with historical conflicts can heighten geopolitical tensions within the group.
  For example: The longstanding rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia over regional dominance and religious differences could create friction within BRICS.
• Economic Disparities: The varying economic strengths of new and existing BRICS members could exacerbate economic disparities and lead to unequal benefits from the alliance.
  For example: While China and India are major global economies, countries like Ethiopia and Egypt may struggle to compete economically within the bloc.
• Consensus Challenges: A larger and more diverse BRICS can face difficulties in reaching consensus on key issues, given the differing national interests and priorities of member countries.
  For example: Divergent views on trade policies and global governance reforms could hinder unified decision-making within BRICS.
• Dilution of Influence: The expansion might dilute the influence of original BRICS members as more voices and interests are added to the group.
  For example: India and Brazil might find their strategic interests overshadowed by the entry of new, assertive members like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
• Risk of Fragmentation: The inclusion of countries with vastly different political systems and governance models could increase the risk of fragmentation within BRICS.
  For example: Democratic nations like India may find it challenging to align with authoritarian regimes like Iran and Saudi Arabia on governance and human rights issues.

Impact on the Existing Global Order:

• Reconfiguration of Alliances: The expansion could prompt a reconfiguration of global alliances, with countries seeking new partnerships in response to the shifting power dynamics.
  For example: Nations traditionally aligned with the West might pivot towards BRICS for economic and political support.
• Influence on Global Institutions: A stronger BRICS can exert more influence on global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, advocating for reforms to better reflect the interests of developing countries.
  For instance: BRICS can push for reforms in voting rights within these institutions to better represent emerging economies.
• Trade and Investment Patterns: The changing composition of BRICS may lead to new trade and investment patterns, potentially reducing the dominance of traditional economic powers.
  For instance: Increased South-South trade could emerge, lessening reliance on Western markets.
• Security Dynamics: The expansion can alter global security dynamics, with BRICS playing a more prominent role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
  For instance: BRICS can lead initiatives in conflict resolution in regions like Africa and the Middle East.
• Technological Collaboration: Enhanced technological collaboration among BRICS countries can drive innovation and reduce technological dependencies on the West.
  For instance: Joint research projects and technological exchanges in sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

Impact on India’s Strategic Interests:

• Economic Opportunities: Expansion presents India with new economic opportunities, including access to larger markets and increased investment prospects.
  For instance: India’s pharmaceutical and IT sectors can benefit from new markets in the expanded BRICS.
• Enhanced Strategic Influence: As a prominent member, India can leverage BRICS to enhance its strategic influence in global affairs and advocate for the interests of developing nations.
  For instance: India’s leadership in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance can gain wider support.
• Balancing China: The inclusion of more members in BRICS can help India balance China’s dominance and ensure a more balanced agenda. However, this expansion also presents challenges, as new members may lean towards China, potentially increasing its influence within the bloc.
  For example: Both Malaysia and Thailand, potential new members, have significant trade ties with China, which could enhance their relationship with China and sway the bloc’s decisions in China’s favour.
• Regional Stability: Enhanced cooperation within BRICS can contribute to regional stability, supporting India’s strategic interests in its neighbourhood.
  For instance: Increased  joint efforts in counter-terrorism and regional infrastructure projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The recent expansion of BRICS holds significant geopolitical implications, with the potential to reshape the existing global order and impact India’s strategic interests. While the expansion offers opportunities for greater economic collaboration and strategic influence, it also presents challenges in achieving consensus among a more diverse group of member states. India, as a key player in BRICS, stands to benefit from the expanded alliance, but must navigate the complexities of a changing geopolitical landscape to safeguard its national interests.