Multilateral institutions are becoming the new reality in the geopolitical landscape. On October 22-24, Russia hosted the 16th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit at Kazan. The summit was projected as a diplomatic success for Russia, sending a message to the West that it is not isolated internationally and continues to be courted by important countries around the world. BRICS started as a group of four emerging economies in 2006 and later included South Africa in 2010. Since then, it has expanded to add new members, i.e. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), giving economic teeth to the organisation. BRICS comprises 41 percent of the world population, having 24 percent of the world GDP and over 16 percent share of the world trade. With the new members joining, its potential is set to increase exponentially.

Relevance of BRICS

Even though obituaries of the organisation have been written by analysts who argue that BRICS does not have the potential to emerge as an organisation of geopolitical relevance, it continues to be pertinent to a multipolar global order currently dominated by Western countries, which China and Russia challenge. For India, BRICS remains an important multilateral vehicle in its foreign policy. While the Western countries perceive both Russia and China as antithetical to Western values and West-dominated global order, India continues to be a linchpin in the US strategy for the Indo-Pacific.

However, India has avoided a direct confrontation with China. It has underlined the importance of the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum and other pillars of cooperation, such as enhancing maritime security, counterterrorism, non-proliferation and cyber issues between the countries of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

Multilateralism, multi-alignment and multipolarity attest to the fact that the world order is in flux. While the US-dominated international system is in crisis for failing to establish peace, an accountable international system like the BRICS, a multilateral financial institution that caters to the economic needs of developing countries or has climate governance sensitive to the requirements of the developing world, emerged as an organisation promising inclusive international order. Further, the New Development Bank, established by BRICS states, funds projects in different countries and caters to the needs of developing countries. As of 2019, the bank had funded 45 projects with loans aggregating to $12.5 billion.

Critics labelled BRICS as part of a China-led global order like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). However, its recent expansion showed that an alternative to the US-dominated order has pushed many countries to apply for membership, despite sceptics saying the organisation has not achieved anything.

Admission of new members, done by consensus, is frozen at the moment. Such a move has dejected many countries aspiring for full membership. Several South Asian countries aspire to join BRICS, and India will play an essential role in getting them on the board as and when membership is open. The organisation is also interested in partnering with Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs). There is concern that BRICS should not emerge as a forum for geopolitical contestation, with contradictory interests that could render the organisation defunct.

The member countries emphasise the global south and how strengthening multilateralism would further their interest. Given the dominance of Western powers in several organisations, the global south feels unheard. In this context, emphasising other multilateral organisations has become vital. BRICS and outreach programmes remain a critical forum for dialogue among aspiring countries. It gives the UN a central role as a global body and underlines the need for the organisation to be equitable and geographically inclusive.

It needs to be underlined that the UN remains relevant along with other statutory bodies. However, the global south feels alienated as the Security Council enjoys immense power, and there is no sign of UN reform in the near future. As Brazil currently holds the presidency of the G20, it will bring issues such as sustainability, sustainable development, climate change, poverty reduction, and so on—concerns that affect the Global South—to the agenda of the G20 summit.

Overall, the Kazan summit defined the essence of BRICS at a time when several multilateral forums are flourishing. It emphasises “a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.” While this statement embodies the aspirations of the BRICS members, the ideas remain a glue for further global cooperation.

India and BRICS

For the past few years, India has been pursuing its foreign policy by being involved in several multilateral organisations. Its relationship with both Russia and China has been significant. Russia has remained a vital defence partner of India since independence. While India has diversified its defence procurement, it depends on Russia for spare parts and equipment servicing. Russian weapons have kept India in good stead. Western powers pressurised India when it decided to purchase S 400 S-400 anti-aircraft systems. Similarly, India’s purchase of Russian oil has helped its economy. For a long time, the country has been balancing its relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, given the Russia-Ukraine war, which has made Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unhappy.

The disengagement at the India-China border and the restoration of normal patrolling, following an agreement between the two countries, would benefit India. This summit facilitated a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines, which contributed to the disengagement of India-China troops at the border. It is important to note that India does not want the opposition to the Western-dominated world order be replaced by a Russia-China dominated alternative international order.

Multilateralism remains a key part of India’s foreign policy. The underlying theme is that it ‘does not believe in a world order where few are considered superior’. With no sight of the UN reforms, these multilateral organisations will help smaller groups of countries pursue their interest and get funding from alternative sources while being part of a UN-dominated global system.