(BRAZIL, RUSSIA, INDIA, CHINA, SOUTH AFRICA)

In 2025, the global geopolitical order is being redefined—not by war or economic collapse, but by a new wave of diplomatic alignment. The BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) has now officially expanded to include several new members, creating what is being referred to as BRICS+. With the inclusion of countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Argentina, the UAE, and Ethiopia, BRICS+ now represents a more formidable alternative to the Western-dominated G7. But what does this shift mean for the world economy and geopolitical balance?

WHY BRICS + MATTERS

With over 45% of the world’s population and nearly 30% of global GDP, BRICS+ challenges the traditional hegemony of Western institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and NATO. The expansion signifies a broader effort by emerging economies to assert more influence in global governance, trade, and finance.

DRIVING FORCES BEHIND THE EXPANSION

1. Desire for Multipolarity

Many Global South nations are increasingly frustrated with Western-dominated institutions. BRICS+ offers them a voice in shaping a multipolar global order.

2. De-Dollarization Efforts

With U.S. sanctions weaponizing the dollar, countries like Russia, China, and Iran are keen to explore alternative currencies for trade—possibly even launching a BRICS currency.

3. Energy Diplomacy

Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE bring energy heft to the bloc. Together, BRICS+ countries now control over 40% of global oil reserves, enabling new power dynamics in OPEC and beyond.

4. Institution Building

The New Development Bank (NDB), BRICS’ alternative to the World Bank, is being strengthened with capital injections and project partnerships. It’s expected to expand lending to Global South nations by passing Western credit ratings and conditions.

Implications for India

India’s role in BRICS+ is both strategic and delicate:

• Economic Gains: Access to larger markets, infrastructure investment via NDB, and cooperation on digital currency frameworks.
• Geopolitical Balance: India must balance its participation in BRICS+ with its strategic ties to the U.S. and QUAD partners.
• Border Tensions: China’s dominant role in the bloc could complicate India’s assertiveness, particularly with unresolved border issues. Global Reactions United States & EU Skeptical of BRICS+ as a credible counterweight to G7. Concerned about energy trade in non-dollar currencies. Watching closely for signs of military or security coordination. African Union & ASEAN Many see BRICS+ as a welcome alternative to Western dependency.

Challenges Facing BRICS+

1. Internal Disparities

BRICS+ nations differ vastly in governance, ideology, and economic policy from democratic India to authoritarian Iran.

2. China’s Dominance

There’s concern that BRICS+ could become a China-led platform, which may reduce the space for equitable leadership.

3. Operational Complexity

Decision-making among such a diverse group is slow. Unlike NATO or G7, BRICS lacks a strong institutional mechanism or charter.

4. Lack of Military Alignment

Unlike Western alliances, BRICS+ does not involve defense or military cooperation, limiting its leverage in hard-power arenas.