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Relevance: GS-II (International Relations: BRICS) | GS-III (Economy) | Source: The Hindu / The Indian Express
At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a clear divide emerged. India pushed for practical economic growth and climate safety for developing nations. Meanwhile, China and Russia used the platform to aggressively challenge Western power and the US dollar.
1. India’s Focus: Real Development First
Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused strictly on solving real-world problems for developing nations rather than fighting ideological wars.
- Stopping Resource Monopolies: India warned against countries (like China) hoarding critical minerals and rare earths needed for clean energy.
- Action, Not Just Ideas: India insisted that BRICS must deliver actual infrastructure projects for the Global South, not just empty speeches.
- Protecting Economies: The focus was on building joint systems to protect poorer nations from climate disasters and supply chain shocks.
2. China and Russia: The Anti-West Push
In stark contrast, Presidents Xi and Putin used the Delhi stage primarily to attack Western economic and political dominance.
- China’s Tech Ambitions: President Xi criticized Western rules and tried to position China as the ultimate AI and tech leader for developing countries.
- Russia’s Financial Escape: Facing heavy Western sanctions, President Putin desperately pushed for new non-dollar trading systems, like a BRICS grain market.
3. Way Forward: Charting an Independent Path
India must use BRICS for collective growth without becoming a pawn in China and Russia’s global power games.
- Secure Mineral Supplies: India must partner with African and Latin American nations to secure critical minerals, reducing dependence on Beijing.
- Export Indian Tech: We should aggressively share our digital public infrastructure (like UPI) to counter China’s tech monopolies abroad.
- Support Smart Initiatives: India can support Russian ideas like food security markets, provided they remain truly global and unbiased.
- Maintain True Neutrality: Ensure all official BRICS declarations focus on economics and strictly avoid angry anti-Western rhetoric.
BRICS must remain a voice for the developing world. India’s leadership is vital to ensure the group builds bridges, rather than starting new cold wars.
Mains Practice Question
How do the different priorities of India, China, and Russia at the recent BRICS Summit highlight the group’s internal divisions? (15 marks · 250 words)
Structure Hint:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the 18th BRICS Summit and the clash between developmental and anti-Western goals.
Body Part 1: Detail India’s focus on real solutions, supply chain safety, and avoiding the weaponization of critical minerals.
Body Part 2: Contrast this with China’s attempt to lead an anti-West tech coalition and Russia’s need for non-dollar financial routes.
Conclusion: Conclude with India’s critical role as the anchor, ensuring BRICS remains a helpful platform for the Global South.
Introduction: Briefly introduce the 18th BRICS Summit and the clash between developmental and anti-Western goals.
Body Part 1: Detail India’s focus on real solutions, supply chain safety, and avoiding the weaponization of critical minerals.
Body Part 2: Contrast this with China’s attempt to lead an anti-West tech coalition and Russia’s need for non-dollar financial routes.
Conclusion: Conclude with India’s critical role as the anchor, ensuring BRICS remains a helpful platform for the Global South.
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