BRICS and Global Power Dynamics

The rise of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is often seen as a challenge to US global hegemony. However, BRICS is not responsible for the US’s relative decline. Instead, it results from a US policy trend to outsource manufacturing to China, turning it into a manufacturing hub.

US and Western Policies

• Post the 2008 financial crisis, the US-led West allowed China to play a crucial role in the global economy.
• The current US administration has criticized BRICS and other economic entities like the European Union.

India's Position in Global Politics

• India's economic and technological partners lie outside BRICS. 
• Despite this, the expansion of BRICS reflects global dissatisfaction with current world affairs. 
• India is embedded both philosophically and practically with the Global South, sharing deep ties.

Challenges and Opportunities for India

• India aims for a balance between aligning with the US-led order and pursuing growth with other global institutions.
• This strategy involves participation in various coalitions until India becomes a key player in international governance.

Multipolarity and Global Institutions

• The pursuit of a multipolar world order is at the heart of India’s membership in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 
• However, these platforms do not further many of India’s foreign policy goals due to China's dominant influence.

Limitations within BRICS

• China's GDP is significantly larger than India’s, enabling it to exert substantial political influence within BRICS.
• Beijing has leveraged BRICS to promote de-dollarisation and expand its role in global governance, sidelining India’s objectives.

Economic Asymmetries and Policy Coordination

The economic disparities within BRICS allow China to use the New Development Bank to further its Belt and Road Initiative, posing challenges for India.

India's Diplomatic Challenges

• India is conflicted about de-dollarisation due to its strong trade ties with the US.
• Statements within BRICS, such as non-criticism of Pakistan’s role in terrorism, have clashed with India’s foreign policy stance.

Conclusion

While BRICS provided India with an initial platform to rise on the global stage, China's increasing economic and political clout within the organization may now constrain India's foreign policy ambitions. It may be time for India to reevaluate its position within BRICS and explore other avenues for asserting its influence globally.