Quad and BRICS: India's strategic partnership

Reference

• India is a member of several multilateral groupings on both sides of the geostrategic ‘divide’, its participation in the Quad and BRICS presents fascinating and sometimes contradictory dilemmas for the country.
• However, these forums serve as important arenas for India to assert its strategic interests, enhance its economic influence and foster international partnerships.

India's role in the Quad

• Security and Defense Cooperation: Its member countries enhance military and security cooperation to ensure regional security. India is an important partner in this and strengthens its defense capabilities through this alliance.
• Free and Open Indo-Pacific: It aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. India supports this vision and works towards balancing China's growing influence in the region.
  • In 2018, India attempted to align the objectives of the Quad with SAGAR and IPOI. These initiatives aim to prevent Chinese aggression in the oceans. 
• Economic and Technological Cooperation: Quad countries promote cooperation in various economic and technological areas, including supply chain security, 5G networks, and emerging technologies. India enhances its economic and technological capabilities by taking advantage of this cooperation.
• Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: Its member countries cooperate in natural disasters and humanitarian crises. India plays an important role in this, especially in assistance and relief operations in regional disasters.
• Regional Stability: Through this, India works together with other member countries for regional stability and peace. This alliance gives India a strong voice on regional issues.

Formation of AUKUS

• India formed AUKUS with the US, Australia and the UK with the aim of enhancing its military capabilities.
• Specifically, it was formed with Australia's nuclear submarines, with the focus on security of the Indo-Pacific region and deterring China.

Strengths of BRICS

• Economic Potential: Combined, the economies of the BRICS countries are worth more than $28.5 trillion – about 28% of the global economy. These countries contribute significantly to global economic growth and have huge markets, resources and productivity potential.
• Population: The combined population of the BRICS countries is about  3.5 billion, which is 45% of the world's total population. This gives them a huge consumer base, which further boosts economic growth.
• Natural Resources: The BRICS countries are rich in natural resources, including energy resources (such as oil, gas and coal), minerals and agricultural products. The production and export of these resources strengthens their economic potential.
• Technological and Scientific Development: There has been a lot of progress in technological and scientific research and development in the BRICS countries. India and China are particularly leading in information technology and innovation.
• Role in Global Politics: The BRICS organization plays an important role in global forums. These countries represent the interests of developing countries and push for improved global governance.
• Cooperation and Trade: Trade and investment among the BRICS countries is growing. Through mutual cooperation, these countries can solve their economic, social and environmental challenges.

Importance of BRICS for India

• Economic Cooperation: BRICS facilitates economic cooperation through initiatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB), which aims to finance infrastructure projects in member countries.
  • India is a founding member of the New Development Bank.
• Global Governance Reform: India uses BRICS as a platform to advocate for reform of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, aimed at increasing the voice and representation of emerging economies in global economic governance.
• Cultural and Educational Exchange: BRICS promotes cultural and educational exchanges, fostering people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding among member countries.

Challenges before India

• Weakened position of the United Nations Security Council: Violations of international laws in the Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict and the strengthening axis of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran weaken the prospects of reform of the United Nations Security Council.
• Growing Chinese influence: Chinese influence is growing not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also elsewhere. ASEAN countries are becoming increasingly weak, with the South China Sea being a flashpoint.
  • China giving the Quad the status of an Asian NATO
  • Some Quad members and European countries are increasing bilateral relations with China
• India's closeness to Russia: India's independent policy of close ties with Russia and seeking a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war may negatively impact India's relations with Western countries.
• Expansion of BRICS: India is not in favor of expanding BRICS.
  • In 2018, the Russian President also quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela to underline his reluctance to expand BRICS.
  • But after the Quad and the Ukraine situation, Russia too realising the potential of BRICS has extended its support to China to push back the West.

Conclusion

India needs to engage more in the BRICS organisation to maintain its position. Since India is the only country involved in both the Quad and BRICS, it cannot afford to undermine one for the other.