BRICS Summit 2026: Strategic Priorities for Global South and Multipolar World Order
Contents4
The Hindu - Opinion · 9 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will focus on principles of multipolarity, economic openness, and sustainable development, with China supporting India's presidency to strengthen Global South representation in global governance.
Key points
BRICS POWER framework outlines five priorities: Principle (UN Charter adherence), Openness (anti-protectionism), Win-Win (sustainable development), Engine (economic growth), and Responsibility (Global South leadership).
Global South representation gains momentum as BRICS accounts for 30% of global GDP and nearly half the world's population, challenging G7 dominance in economic governance.
[GS2-International Relations] The summit will advance local currency trade and cross-border payment systems to reduce dollar dependence, connecting to India's Rupee Vostro Account mechanism.
UN Sustainable Development Goals remain central, with BRICS pushing for post-2030 agenda formulation that ensures equitable participation of developing nations.
China-India coordination on successive BRICS presidencies (2026-27) could stabilize bilateral relations through multilateral engagement, despite ongoing border disputes.
[GS3-Economy] BRICS growth projected at 3x G7 rates by 2028 (IMF data), reinforcing its role as the primary engine of global economic expansion amid recessionary trends.
Global Security Initiative proposed by China seeks to counter 'hegemonism' but may create friction with Western-led security architectures like NATO.
Digital economy cooperation will focus on AI integration in agriculture, healthcare and education through the China-BRICS AI Development Center.
Way Forward: BRICS should institutionalize a dispute resolution mechanism, establish a BRICS Development Bank parallel to World Bank, and create a permanent secretariat to enhance policy continuity beyond rotational presidencies.
Key terms
- BRICS
- An intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, representing emerging economies that collectively account for 41% of global population and 24% of GDP. Its significance lies in creating alternative financial institutions (New Development Bank) and challenging Western dominance in global governance.
- Global South
- A geopolitical term for developing countries primarily in Asia, Africa and Latin America, characterized by shared colonial histories and demands for equitable global economic order. For UPSC, it's crucial in understanding non-alignment dynamics and South-South cooperation initiatives like IBSA.
- Multilateral Trading System
- The WTO-led framework governing international trade through principles like Most Favored Nation (Article I of GATT) and National Treatment (Article III). BRICS challenges this system's perceived Western bias through alternative platforms like RCEP and AfCFTA.
- Local Currency Settlement System
- A payment mechanism allowing trade in national currencies rather than USD, reducing forex risks. India's 2022 RBI framework for INR trade settlement gains strategic importance amid BRICS' de-dollarization efforts.
Practice question
Critically analyze the role of BRICS in shaping a multipolar world order with a focus on the Global South. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in this endeavor. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: New Development Bank Local Currency Settlement System Global South Multipolarity SDGs De-dollarization UNSC reforms Non-alignment
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce BRICS as a coalition of emerging economies aiming to reform global governance structures to reflect contemporary realities, with a focus on the Global South.
Role in Multipolar World Order
Promotes economic multipolarity through initiatives like the New Development Bank and local currency trade systems.
Challenges Western dominance in institutions like IMF and World Bank by advocating for quota reforms.
Provides a platform for Global South voices in setting global agendas (e.g., UNSC reforms, climate justice).
Opportunities for Global South
Economic growth engine: BRICS contributes 30% of global GDP with 3x growth rate of G7 nations.
Technology transfer: Digital economy cooperation in AI, agriculture, and healthcare.
Sustainable development: Common position on SDGs and post-2030 agenda formulation.
Challenges
Internal divergences: Bilateral issues like India-China border disputes affect consensus-building.
Institutional weaknesses: Lack of permanent secretariat or dispute resolution mechanism.
Geopolitical tensions: China's Global Security Initiative viewed as counter to Western alliances.
Conclusion
Suggest way forward: Institutional strengthening through BRICS Development Bank, formal dispute resolution mechanisms, and balanced engagement with both Western and Southern blocs.
Fact check
Issues found Overall severity: medium
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will focus on principles of multipolarity, economic openness, and sustainable development, with China supporting India's presidency to strengthen Global South representation in global governance.
The summit is not in New Delhi but the location is not specified in the source text. Severity: medium
BRICS POWER framework outlines five priorities: Principle (UN Charter adherence), Openness (anti-protectionism), Win-Win (sustainable development), Engine (economic growth), and Responsibility (Global South leadership).
The term 'BRICS POWER framework' is not mentioned in the source text, though the five letters (P, O, W, E, R) are explained. Severity: low
Global South representation gains momentum as BRICS accounts for 30% of global GDP and nearly half the world's population, challenging G7 dominance in economic governance.
The source text mentions BRICS accounts for nearly half of the world’s population and around 30% of global economic output, but the comparison to G7 dominance is not explicitly stated. Severity: low
BRICS growth projected at 3x G7 rates by 2028 (IMF data), reinforcing its role as the primary engine of global economic expansion amid recessionary trends.
The source text mentions greater BRICS growth will be nearly three times faster than the G-7 by 2028, but the term 'primary engine of global economic expansion' is an interpretation. Severity: low
China-India coordination on successive BRICS presidencies (2026-27) could stabilize bilateral relations through multilateral engagement, despite ongoing border disputes.
The source text mentions India and China will take on the BRICS rotating presidency in succession, but the stabilization of bilateral relations is an interpretation. Severity: low