As the BRICS bloc prepares for its pivotal 17th summit in Rio de Janeiro this July, tensions are surfacing within the alliance, particularly between the founding members and the newly admitted countries. The group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has rapidly expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, alongside nine partner nations such as Belarus, Bolivia, and Malaysia. This expansion has transformed BRICS into a formidable coalition representing nearly half of the world’s population and over 41% of global GDP by purchasing power parity.
However, this growth has not come without friction. Reports from the recent pre-summit discussions reveal that the new members are reluctant to fully endorse agreements made by the original five nations, signaling a potential rift in the bloc’s unity. These new entrants are demanding a revaluation of past commitments to better reflect their interests and the evolving geopolitical landscape, especially as the alliance seeks to challenge the dominance of Western-led economic institutions and push for de-dollarization of global trade.
India, as a key BRICS founding member and a rising global power, finds itself in a delicate position. While it supports the bloc’s expansion and its vision of a multipolar world order, India is also keen on maintaining cohesion and consensus among members. The upcoming summit is expected to be a critical juncture where India’s diplomatic acumen will be tested, balancing the ambitions of newer members with the strategic priorities of the original group. The expansion is largely driven by countries eager to escape the constraints of Western financial systems and sanctions, particularly Russia and Iran, both under heavy US sanctions. China’s role in promoting BRICS as a platform to undermine the US dollar’s global dominance is also a significant factor behind the push for more members.
Yet, the hesitation of some invitees like Algeria, Nigeria, Turkey, and Vietnam to formalize their membership highlights the complexities involved in managing such a diverse and rapidly growing alliance.
As BRICS stands on the cusp of potentially reshaping global economic governance, the internal disagreements underscore the challenges of forging a unified front. The Rio summit will not only decide on expansion but also on how BRICS articulates a common economic voice in a world increasingly divided by geopolitical rivalries. For India, this is an opportunity to assert leadership and ensure that the bloc remains a credible and cohesive force on the international stage.
While BRICS’ expansion signals a shift toward a more inclusive Global South coalition, the emerging rifts among members reveal the delicate balancing act required to maintain unity in the face of diverse national interests and geopolitical pressures. The outcome of the Rio summit will be crucial in determining whether BRICS can fulfill its promise as a counterweight to Western economic dominance or if internal divisions will hamper its progress.