BRICS

BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India,

China, and South Africa, is a coalition of major
emerging economies that have collaborated to
promote economic, political, and cultural
cooperation. The grouping has gained increased
prominence in recent years, especially amid
shifts in the global geopolitical landscape and
economic dynamics.

Formation and Origins:

 Concept and Coinage: The term "BRIC" was coined in 2001 by Jim O'Neill, then the
chief economist at Goldman Sachs, to highlight the growth potential of Brazil, Russia,
India, and China as major emerging markets. At that time, South Africa was not
included in the grouping.
 Initial Formation: The leaders of the BRIC countries first met informally on the
sidelines of the G8 Outreach Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2006. The
formalization process began with the first BRIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in
New York later that year.
 Expansion to BRICS: South Africa joined the group in 2010, making it BRICS. This
inclusion was strategic to represent Africa in the coalition, further legitimizing the
group as a representative body for the
developing world.

Economic and Geopolitical Significance:

 Economic Power: BRICS countries collectively

account for about 25% of the world's economy
and roughly 40% of the global population. They
represent a significant economic bloc that
challenges the dominance of Western-led
institutions such as the Group of Seven (G7) and
the World Bank.
  Geopolitical Influence: BRICS aims to be a counterweight to Western influence,
promoting a multipolar world order. This is particularly relevant in light of
geopolitical shifts, such as the Ukraine conflict, which has underscored the
importance of alternative alliances and economic partnerships.

Country Capital contribution Access to Funds (Billion USD) Voting Rights(%)

(Billion USD)

China 41 21 39.95

Brazil 18 18 18.10

India 18 18 18.10

Russia 18 18 18.10

South Africa 5 10 5.75

BRICS Agenda and Key Areas of Focus:

The agenda of BRICS has evolved over the years to include a wide array of global and
regional issues. Key areas of focus include:

 International Terrorism: Collaborative efforts to combat terrorism, ensuring peace

and stability.
 Climate Change: Coordinating positions on climate action and sustainable
development.
 Food and Energy Security: Addressing concerns related to global food supply and
energy needs.
 Global Economic and Financial Stability: Focusing on reforms in global financial
systems to ensure stability and equitable growth.
 Reform of Bretton Woods Institutions: Advocating for reforms in institutions like the
IMF and the World Bank to give a greater voice to emerging economies.
 Trade Protectionism and WTO Reforms: Promoting fair trade practices and reforms
in the World Trade Organization to better reflect current global economic realities.

Evolution of BRICS Summits:

 2009: The first BRIC summit (before South Africa joined) was held in Yekaterinburg,
Russia.
 2010: South Africa was accepted as a full member of the group, transitioning BRIC to
BRICS.
 2011: South Africa participated in its first BRICS summit held in China.
 2014: The 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, led to the Fortaleza Declaration and
the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB).
  2015: The Ufa Declaration at the 7th BRICS Summit covered global governance,
security, and economic cooperation.
 2021: The 13th BRICS Summit, hosted by India, took place virtually due to the COVID-
19 pandemic.
 2022: The Beijing Declaration, adopted during the 14th BRICS Summit, included
support for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and emphasized cooperation in
digital transformation, COVID-19 resilience, and low-carbon development.
 2023: The expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia marks a significant development in the group's
history. The inclusion of these new members, effective from January 1, 2024, reflects
BRICS' growing ambition to become a more influential player on the global stage,
both economically and politically.

Functioning and Principles of BRICS:

 Guiding Principles: BRICS operates based on the principles outlined in the UN

Charter, including openness, pragmatism, solidarity, non-alignment, and neutrality
concerning third-party conflicts.
 Leadership Rotation: The BRICS chairmanship rotates annually among its member
countries, following the sequence of the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
 Action Plans: Annual action plans are adopted during the summits to implement
decisions and initiatives agreed upon by the member states.

Major Initiatives and Pillars of Cooperation:

BRICS initiatives focus on three major pillars: Political and Security Cooperation, Economic
and Financial Cooperation, and Cultural and People-to-People Contacts.

Political and Security Cooperation:

 Objectives: Enhance dialogue and cooperation on global and regional security,

peace, and stability. This includes counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and reform of
multilateral systems.
 BRICS National Security Advisors’ Meetings: These meetings are essential for
deliberating on issues such as counter-terrorism, transnational organized crime, and
cybersecurity.

Economic and Financial Cooperation:

 Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): Established in 2015, CRA provides a safety

net for member countries facing balance of payments crises. It has a total lending
capacity of $100 billion, with capital contributions based on the economic size of
each member (China contributing the most).
 New Development Bank (NDB): Founded in 2014, the NDB finances infrastructure
and sustainable development projects. It is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and
 has regional offices in South Africa and Brazil. The NDB’s voting rights are
proportional to members' capital shares, ensuring no member has veto power, but
the founding BRICS nations must maintain a minimum of 55% of the voting power.
 BRICS Payment System: To reduce dependency on the US dollar and the SWIFT
payment system, BRICS countries are working on developing an alternative payment
system.

Cultural and People-to-People Contacts:

 Objectives: Foster closer ties among BRICS countries through cultural exchanges,
academic cooperation, youth engagement, and business interactions.
 Key Initiatives: Events like the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, BRICS Film Festival, BRICS
Youth Summit, and BRICS Academic Forum promote cultural understanding and
cooperation.

Challenges of BRICS Grouping:

Overlap with Other Groupings:

 IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa): BRICS overlaps with IBSA, a grouping focused on
democratic governance and South-South cooperation. This duplication can lead to
conflicting agendas and mandates, making it challenging for BRICS to maintain a
clear and unified focus. The presence of overlapping forums can dilute efforts and
create inefficiencies in addressing global issues.

Economic Slowdown and Trade Disputes:

 Impact of Global Economic Conditions: The economic slowdown and trade disputes
among BRICS members can hinder the group's ability to achieve its objectives.
Divergent economic conditions and policies among members, such as differing
responses to trade protectionism and economic reforms, can create obstacles to
cohesive action and mutual benefit.

Geopolitical Tensions:

 Divergent Interests: BRICS members have varying geopolitical interests and are
involved in regional conflicts. For instance, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and
its strategic maneuvers in South Asia and the Indo-China border have heightened
tensions with India. Such geopolitical differences can strain internal cohesion and
complicate collaborative efforts within BRICS.
Dominance of Major Powers:

 Influence of Russia, India, and China: The dominance of Russia, India, and China
within BRICS can overshadow the contributions of Brazil and South Africa. This
concentration of influence may limit the ability of smaller members to affect
decisions and shape the group's direction, potentially leading to imbalances in
representation and voice.

Paradox of BRICS:

 Loss of Appeal: Despite several achievements, BRICS has faced criticisms regarding
its effectiveness and unity. The group's perceived loss of relevance, coupled with a
high demand from other countries to join, reflects a paradox where the group's
ability to deliver on its promises is questioned even as its global appeal grows. 

BRICS Currency and De-Dollarization:

 Proposal for a Common Currency: At the 15th BRICS Summit, Brazil proposed
creating a common currency to reduce reliance on the US dollar and mitigate
exchange rate vulnerabilities. However, this idea faces challenges due to differing
opinions among BRICS leaders, as well as practical issues related to implementing a
common currency.
 Challenges and Requirements: Creating a BRICS currency would require significant
integration of banking systems, fiscal policies, and macroeconomic stability among
member states. Additionally, de-dollarization would necessitate global entities
adopting alternative currencies, which poses a complex and long-term challenge.

India and BRICS

India's participation in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has been
instrumental in advancing its strategic, economic, and diplomatic objectives. As a founding
member, India has leveraged the BRICS platform to enhance its influence on global issues
and promote the interests of the Global South. Here are some key reasons why BRICS is
important for India:

Role in BRICS Formation and Evolution:

 Founding Member: India was one of the original members of the BRIC group, which
was conceptualized in the early 2000s and formally established with its first summit
in 2009. South Africa's inclusion in 2010 transformed BRIC into BRICS, expanding its
geographical representation.
  Leadership and Vision: India has consistently been a strong advocate for BRICS,
emphasizing the importance of this grouping in shaping a new global economic
architecture that is more representative of emerging economies and less dominated
by Western interests.
 Host of Summits: India has hosted several BRICS summits, including the 4th summit
in New Delhi in 2012, the 8th summit in Goa in 2016, and the 13th summit, held
virtually in 2021. These summits have been platforms for India to showcase its
leadership and drive BRICS' agenda on global issues.

Key Contributions and Initiatives:

 New Development Bank (NDB): India played a crucial role in the establishment of
the NDB in 2014, headquartered in Shanghai, with a regional office in India. The NDB
provides funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS
countries and other emerging markets, aligning with India's development priorities.
 Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): India is an integral part of the CRA, which
was established to provide financial support and liquidity to member countries
facing balance of payments difficulties. India's participation strengthens its role in
global financial stability.
 International Initiatives: India has actively promoted international initiatives
through BRICS platforms, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition
for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the “One Earth One Health”
approach to health cooperation. These initiatives align with India’s vision of
sustainable development and global health security.

India’s Diplomatic Engagement and Leadership:

 Strengthening Ties with BRICS Nations: Through BRICS, India has strengthened its
diplomatic and economic ties with Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. Despite
occasional bilateral tensions, particularly with China, BRICS provides a platform for
dialogue and collaboration on common interests.
 BRICS Plus and Outreach Programs: India actively participates in BRICS Plus
dialogues, which extend partnerships to other emerging economies and regions,
particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This engagement helps India build
strategic alliances and expand its influence in these regions.

Strategic Cooperation:

 Global Engagement on Key Issues: BRICS provides India with a strategic platform to
engage with major global players on critical issues such as international security,
counter-terrorism, climate change, and global trade. Through BRICS, India can
articulate its stance on these issues and build consensus with other emerging
economies.
  Counterbalancing Western Dominance: By participating in BRICS, India aligns with
other emerging powers to create a counterbalance to the influence of Western-led
forums like the G7 and NATO. This strategic cooperation is vital for India's pursuit of
a multipolar world order.

Economic Benefits:

 Access to a Large Market: BRICS represents a market of over 3 billion people,

offering India substantial business and investment opportunities. Economic
cooperation within BRICS helps India access new markets, promote exports, and
attract foreign direct investment.
 New Development Bank (NDB): India's membership in BRICS provides access to
funding from the NDB, which supports infrastructure and sustainable development
projects. This financial assistance is crucial for India's economic growth and
development initiatives.

Reform of Multilateral Institutions:

 Promoting a More Inclusive Global Order: BRICS serves as a platform for India to
advocate for reforms in international institutions like the United Nations, the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. India, along with other
BRICS members, pushes for greater representation of developing countries in these
institutions to make them more democratic and equitable.
 Influence in Global Decision-Making: Through BRICS, India strengthens its voice in
global governance and ensures that the interests of emerging economies are
considered in international decision-making processes.

South-South Cooperation:

 Promoting Economic and Technological Collaboration: BRICS facilitates South-South

cooperation, enabling India to collaborate with other developing nations in areas
such as trade, investment, and technology transfer. This cooperation fosters
economic growth and technological innovation, benefiting India and other BRICS
members.
 Leadership in the Global South: As a leading member of BRICS, India plays a pivotal
role in championing the interests of the Global South, advocating for development-
oriented policies, and promoting sustainable economic practices.

Pillar of the New World Order:

 BRICS Expansion and New World Order: During the 15th BRICS Summit in
Johannesburg in 2023, the group expanded to include new members like Egypt, Iran,
the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, effective from January 1, 2024. This expansion
reinforced BRICS' role as a significant pillar of the emerging New World Order,
 providing India with a broader platform to shape global governance and economic
cooperation.
 Promoting Multipolarity: By participating in BRICS, India contributes to the creation
of a multipolar world order where power is more evenly distributed, reducing the
dominance of any single country or bloc.

DILEMMA AND CHALLENGES FOR INDIA

India's participation in BRICS brings numerous benefits, but it also faces several challenges
within this multilateral grouping. These challenges arise due to geopolitical tensions,
economic disparities, and differing national interests among member countries.

Key challenges for India in BRICS:

Geopolitical Tensions with China:

 Border Disputes: India and China have a history of border disputes, including recent
standoffs such as the one in Ladakh in 2020. These conflicts strain bilateral relations
and make cooperation within BRICS more complicated. The underlying mistrust can
hinder the group's effectiveness in reaching consensus on sensitive issues.
 Strategic Rivalry: China's growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean
region, including its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is seen by India as a challenge to
its regional dominance. This strategic rivalry affects India's ability to align fully with
China's vision within BRICS.
 Dominance of china: China's significant dominance within the BRICS grouping poses
challenges for India, often limiting India's ability to assert its voice and influence
within the forum

Balancing Relations between China and the West:

 Strategic Autonomy vs. Alliances: India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy by
balancing its relations with BRICS countries, particularly China, and its ties with
Western powers. This balancing act becomes challenging, especially when tensions
arise between China and the West (e.g., trade wars, technology restrictions,
geopolitical conflicts).
 Pressure to Choose Sides: As geopolitical tensions escalate between China and
Western countries, India faces pressure to align more closely with one side. This
situation puts India in a difficult position within BRICS, where it must navigate its
foreign policy carefully to avoid alienating either side.

Economic Disparities Among BRICS Members:

 Divergent Economic Interests: The economic structures and priorities of BRICS

countries vary significantly. While India focuses on technology, services, and
sustainable development, other members may prioritize energy exports or
 manufacturing. These differences can lead to disagreements on trade policies,
investment strategies, and economic cooperation initiatives.
 Development Gaps: The economic disparities within BRICS can create friction, as
more developed members like China may have different economic goals than
relatively less developed members like South Africa. India's position as a middle-
income country requires balancing these divergent economic aspirations.

Limited Institutional Cohesion and Coordination:

 Lack of a Unified Vision: BRICS lacks a formal institutional structure like the
European Union, making it difficult to enforce commitments and implement
collective decisions. The absence of a permanent secretariat or headquarters limits
the group's ability to coordinate policies effectively.
 Varying Political Systems and Ideologies: BRICS members have different political
systems and ideologies, ranging from democracies (India, Brazil, South Africa) to
more authoritarian regimes (China, Russia). These differences can create friction in
decision-making and reduce the effectiveness of BRICS as a unified bloc.

Challenges in Promoting Reform of Global Institutions:

 Resistance from Established Powers: While BRICS advocates for reforming global
institutions like the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank, resistance from
established powers (such as the United States and the European Union) makes
achieving these reforms difficult. India's push for a permanent seat on the UN
Security Council, for example, faces significant opposition.
 Diverse Priorities: Even within BRICS, members may have different priorities
regarding global governance reforms. Aligning these priorities and presenting a
united front in international forums is challenging.

Differing Stances on Global Issues:

 Varied Foreign Policy Priorities: BRICS members sometimes have divergent positions
on global issues like climate change, trade protectionism, and human rights. For
example, India's approach to climate negotiations and its stance on carbon emissions
may differ from those of China and Russia.
 Conflicting Interests in International Crises: India and other BRICS members may
have conflicting interests in specific international crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine
conflict, where India has taken a more neutral stance, focusing on dialogue and
diplomacy, while Russia’s involvement in the conflict has led to criticism and
sanctions from the West.

WAY FORWARD FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND BRICS:

To enhance cooperation between India and BRICS, it is crucial to address existing challenges
and capitalize on mutual strengths.
Strengthen Economic Cooperation:

 Promote Trade and Investment: Focus on increasing intra-BRICS trade and

investment by identifying and leveraging complementary economic strengths. India
can work with other BRICS members to facilitate smoother trade flows, reduce
barriers, and explore joint ventures and investment opportunities.
 Enhance NDB and CRA Utilization: Utilize the New Development Bank (NDB) and the
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) more effectively to support development
projects and provide financial stability. India can advocate for projects that align with
its strategic interests while contributing to broader BRICS goals.

Advance Strategic and Political Dialogue:

 Coordinate on Global Issues: Engage in regular and structured dialogue on critical

global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and regional conflicts. India should
seek to build consensus on these issues to enhance BRICS' collective influence. 
 Address Geopolitical Tensions: Work towards managing and mitigating geopolitical
tensions within BRICS, particularly with China. India can promote confidence-building
measures and establish mechanisms for conflict resolution to ensure smoother
interactions and cooperation.

Enhance Multilateral Reforms:

 Advocate for Institutional Reforms: Continue to push for reforms in global

institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank to ensure they are more inclusive and
representative of developing countries. India should work with BRICS members to
develop a unified stance on these reforms and advocate for these changes in
international forums.

Strengthen South-South Cooperation:

 Leverage BRICS for Development Goals: Use BRICS as a platform to promote South-
South cooperation, focusing on areas such as technology transfer, sustainable
development, and agricultural innovation. India can share its expertise and
collaborate on projects that benefit developing countries.
 Expand Partnerships: Explore opportunities to collaborate with non-BRICS countries
and regional organizations that share similar development goals. This can enhance
the impact of BRICS initiatives and extend its influence.
Address Internal Dynamics:

 Balance Major Powers: Ensure that the interests of all BRICS members, including
Brazil and South Africa, are considered in decision-making processes. India can play a
role in fostering a more balanced and inclusive approach within the group. 
 Promote Internal Cohesion: Strengthen internal mechanisms to resolve disputes and
manage differences among BRICS members. Encourage greater transparency and
communication to enhance the group's overall effectiveness.

Explore Currency and De-Dollarization Initiatives:

 Evaluate Common Currency Proposal: Engage in detailed discussions on the

feasibility of a BRICS common currency, considering the economic, political, and
technical challenges. India should contribute to and support studies and pilot
projects to assess the viability of such an initiative.
 Promote Alternative Payment Systems: Support the development of alternative
payment systems that reduce reliance on the US dollar, while ensuring that these
systems are practical and widely accepted by member countries.

Enhance People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges:

 Strengthen Cultural Ties: Increase people-to-people interactions through cultural,

academic, and youth exchanges. Initiatives like the BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS
Film Festival can help build mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the
member countries.
 Promote Academic and Professional Collaboration: Encourage academic and
professional exchanges and partnerships to foster innovation and share best
practices in areas of mutual interest.

THE 15TH BRICS SUMMIT

The 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 22-24, 2023,
marked a significant milestone in the history of BRICS. It not only served as a platform for
dialogue among the five member countries but also engaged a broader range of nations
from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Below are the key highlights and outcomes of the
summit:

Theme of the Summit:

 The theme for the 15th BRICS Summit was "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for
Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive
Multilateralism." This theme underscored the importance of collaboration between
 BRICS and African nations, focusing on sustainable development, economic growth,
and a multilateral approach to global issues.

Gifts from India:

 The Indian Prime Minister presented symbolic gifts to BRICS leaders, which included:

 Bidri Surahi: A traditional metal craft from Bidar, Karnataka, known for its
intricate silver inlay work.
 Nagaland Shawl: A hand-woven shawl representing the rich cultural heritage
of Nagaland.
 Gond Paintings: Indigenous art form from the Gond community of Madhya
Pradesh, showcasing tribal art and storytelling.

BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue:

 This session brought together BRICS leaders and representatives from guest
countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
 The outreach aimed to strengthen ties between BRICS countries and the broader
Global South, focusing on collaboration for sustainable development and economic
cooperation.
 India's Invitations: India used this platform to extend invitations for various
international initiatives, such as:

 International Solar Alliance (ISA): Aims to harness solar energy and promote
sustainable energy solutions.
 One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): A vision to create a global solar
grid to share clean energy.
 Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Promotes
infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks.
 One Earth One Health: A holistic approach to health that integrates animal,
environmental, and human health.
 Big Cat Alliance: Focuses on the conservation of big cats globally.
 Global Centre for Traditional Medicine: A WHO-backed center for advancing
traditional medicine research and practices.

Joint Statements and Political Stances:

 Support for India's G20 Presidency: BRICS leaders expressed support for India's
current presidency of the G20.
 Backing Future G20 Presidencies: BRICS also endorsed Brazil and South Africa’s
upcoming G20 presidencies in 2024 and 2025, emphasizing the representation of the
Global South's interests.
 Opposition to Unilateral Measures: The summit condemned unilateral coercive
measures and stressed the need for inclusive multilateralism, adherence to
international law, and the principles of the UN Charter.
  Enhancement of Global Governance: BRICS called for improved global governance
characterized by agility, efficiency, representation, and democratic accountability.
 Commitment to Human Rights Cooperation: The group committed to cooperating
on human rights issues based on equality and mutual respect, advocating for these
principles within BRICS and other international platforms.

Sector-Specific Initiatives:

 Agriculture and Food Security: The summit highlighted the importance of fair
agricultural trade, ending hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and adopting
resilient agricultural practices.
 UN Reforms: BRICS reiterated its call for comprehensive reforms of the United
Nations, particularly the Security Council, to enhance its democratic nature,
effectiveness, and representation, particularly for developing countries.
 Peaceful Conflict Resolution: The group underscored its commitment to resolving
disputes peacefully through dialogue and inclusiveness. The importance of women’s
participation in peace processes was also recognized.




16TH BRICS SUMMIT

The 16th BRICS Summit was hosted by Russia from October 22 to 24, 2024, in the historic
city of Kazan, under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global
Development and Security.”
The summit was attended by leaders from the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China,
and South Africa—as well as representatives from the bloc's new members: Iran, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, who officially joined the grouping in 2024. The
outcome of the summit was encapsulated in the Kazan Declaration, which reaffirmed BRICS'
commitment to peace, sustainable development, and multilateralism.

Key Takeaways from the 16th BRICS Summit

Adoption of the Kazan Declaration:

 The Kazan Declaration emphasized solidarity among BRICS nations to tackle
urgent global challenges, including economic instability, climate change, and
geopolitical tensions.
 It reaffirmed support for reforming global financial institutions like the IMF
and World Bank to better reflect the realities of emerging economies.
 The declaration also called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts, particularly in
Ukraine and Palestine, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.
Expansion of BRICS:
 The summit welcomed Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as
new members, further solidifying BRICS as a platform representing the
interests of the Global South.
  With these additions, BRICS+ now accounts for 45.2% of the world’s population
and approximately 36.7% of global GDP, significantly enhancing its global
influence.
Focus on Multilateralism:
 The theme of the summit, "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global
Development and Security," underscored the group's commitment to creating
a fairer global order.
 BRICS leaders called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
and other multilateral institutions to ensure greater representation for
developing nations.
Economic Cooperation:
 Discussions centered on reducing dependence on Western-led financial
systems by increasing the use of local currencies for trade and financial
transactions.
 Leaders emphasized the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in financing
sustainable development projects and enhancing cross-border trade among
BRICS nations.
Sustainability and Climate Action:
 Climate change was a major focus, with India proposing joint initiatives such
as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure, and the Green Credits Program.
 BRICS nations pledged to increase investments in renewable energy and
sustainable infrastructure.
Global Security and Counter-Terrorism:
 The summit highlighted the growing threats of cybersecurity breaches,
terrorism, and regional conflicts.
 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for a Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations to
strengthen global counter-terrorism efforts.
Health and Pandemic Preparedness:
 The BRICS Vaccine Centre, launched in 2022, was recognized for its role in
ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and pandemic preparedness.
 Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the resilience of global
health systems.

Significance of Kazan as the Host City

1. Economic and Cultural Hub

 Designated as Russia’s "third capital," Kazan reflects Russia's economic and cultural diversity. Its
strong presence in petrochemicals, military industry, and IT sector positions it as a symbol of
modernization and growth.

2. Demographic Importance

 Kazan's unique demographic, with nearly equal populations of ethnic Russians and Tatars
(predominantly Muslim), underscores Russia’s identity as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state.

3. Cultural Symbolism
  Iconic landmarks like the Kul Sharif Mosque and Annunciation Cathedral symbolize harmony
between diverse cultures, mirroring BRICS' emphasis on inclusivity and cooperation.

Geopolitical and Economic Implications

1. Strengthening Multipolarity

 The summit highlights BRICS’ push for a multipolar world, challenging Western dominance in
global governance and financial systems.

2. Energy and Trade Collaboration

 BRICS' increasing emphasis on energy deals, including currency swaps and gold reserves,
enhances its capacity to shape global markets and reduce vulnerability to external economic
pressures.

3. Enhanced Global South Representation

 The BRICS Plus initiative and the inclusion of new partners reflect the bloc's intent to amplify the
voice of the Global South on international platforms.

4. Challenges to Western Hegemony

 By advocating for alternatives to the SWIFT system and reducing reliance on the dollar, BRICS is
actively countering the influence of Western financial tools.

CONCLUSION
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan showcased the bloc's determination to address global
challenges through collaboration and solidarity. The adoption of the Kazan Declaration and
the inclusion of new members marked a transformative moment for BRICS, positioning it as
a key player in shaping the future of international governance. With its growing influence,
BRICS continues to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable global order, providing a
powerful platform for emerging economies to assert their priorities on the world stage.
Enhance its influence on the global stage.