Sansad TV: Perspective- 15th BRICS Summit | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• The 15th BRICS summit took place in Johannesburg, marking the first in-person meeting since 2019. Attendees included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the meeting virtually, while Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the event under the theme "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism." During the summit, PM Modi participated in various meetings and held a bilateral discussion with President Ramaphosa.

Highlights of the BRICS Summit

• Expansion of BRICS: The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expressed their willingness to expand the group by inviting new members. Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia were invited to join, with their membership scheduled to begin in January.
• Commitment to Multilateralism: BRICS reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive multilateralism and the upholding of international law. They also pledged to enhance global governance.
• Concerns over Pro-China Leanings: While India viewed the new member invitations positively, concerns arose about the group potentially becoming more pro-China, potentially sidelining India's interests.

Prime Minister's Key Points

• Urged defined timelines for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms.
• Advocated reform of Multilateral Financial Institutions.
• Called for reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• Encouraged BRICS consensus on expansion.
• Promoted global unity over polarization.
• Proposed the establishment of a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium.
• Offered Indian Digital Public Infrastructure to BRICS partners.
• Suggested skill mapping, skilling, and mobility initiatives among BRICS countries.
• Proposed joint efforts to protect Big Cats under the International Big Cat Alliance.
• Proposed the creation of a traditional medicine repository among BRICS nations.
• Encouraged BRICS support for the African Union's permanent membership in the G20.

India and BRICS

• India sees BRICS as a voice for developing countries, especially the global South.
• India must balance its relationships with Russia-China and the United States.
• India aims to strengthen ties with Latin America.
• Counter-terrorism has been a top agenda item for India within BRICS.
• India works to address gaps in counter-terrorism, climate change, and UNSC reform.
• India played a crucial role in establishing the New Development Bank (NDB) and is set to host the 2021 BRICS Summit.

Challenges

• BRICS has not fully realized its founders' vision of interdependence among member countries.
• Economic slowdown is affecting all BRICS nations.
• Despite their significant combined population, intra-BRICS trade accounts for only 17% of global trade.
• The NDB's vision remains unfulfilled, with only founder members involved and concerns about transparency and governance.
• Member states often lack alignment on political issues, with China's stance on Pakistan being a notable example.
• Differences in ideology, bilateral disputes, and socio-cultural and political diversity pose challenges.
• China's dominant presence can limit the influence of other member countries.

Conclusion

• BRICS should focus on comprehensive development and cooperation, regardless of a country's size.
• Encouraging civil society dialogue is essential.
• Diplomatic solutions should be sought for global crises.
• BRICS plays a vital role in stabilizing global affairs and promoting a fairer, polycentric world order.
• International agreements should involve broad stakeholder participation and adhere to recognized legal norms.
• Respect for cultural and civilizational diversity is a priority.
• BRICS can contribute significantly to international stability, global economic growth, and a multipolar world.