‘One more piece of evidence’: PM Modi hails BRICS New Delhi Declaration, global credibility

BRICS, a gathering of four emerging powers – Brazil, Russia, India and China – has always posed a challenge to the status quo. Its formation allowed countries outside traditional global power structures to have their say. The group's expansion has only heightened its ambition. However, defining BRICS is tricky, as its members lack a common political system, economic model or foreign policy stance.

Their interests often clash, sometimes significantly. For India, BRICS is not a pre-made alliance but a platform to push its priorities. India's 2026 presidency of the group offers a chance to capitalize on this. Its focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability aligns with a broader Indian viewpoint. The argument is that developing nations' needs should not be seen as secondary to global governance.

The conversation around BRICS often revolves around its economic weight, expansion and implications for the U.S.-led order. These are significant concerns, but they can overshadow the tangible contributions India and other members bring. India's digital public infrastructure, for instance, is a notable contribution. Over a decade, New Delhi has created a digital ecosystem that has transformed how millions of Indians access payments, banking and public services.

The Aadhaar biometric identification system, the UPI digital payment platform, and the broader India Stack are prime examples. UPI, initially an Indian innovation, has gained international recognition. It has been adopted in countries like France, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the UAE. While India's model cannot be directly replicated, it offers developing nations a practical example of how digital public systems can be designed for widespread adoption.

India's digital public infrastructure initiative within BRICS aims to move the discussion from technology as a symbol of national prestige to technology as a tool for expanding economic participation. India also plays a crucial role in BRICS finance. The New Development Bank, established by BRICS in 2015, provides development finance for infrastructure and sustainable projects in member countries.

It offers an alternative to traditional Bretton Woods institutions, which often have different voting structures. India has benefited from NDB financing, supporting projects like the Madhya Pradesh Major District Roads Project. However, the question remains whether BRICS finance can extend beyond major infrastructure. India's emphasis on small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investment cooperation and local-currency financing is relevant here.

Smaller businesses often face credit constraints and currency volatility more than large corporations. Easier access to finance could positively impact employment, entrepreneurship and local economic activity. India's BRICS presidency also aims to bring health, agriculture, sustainability and innovation to the table. These subjects are crucial for societal resilience.

The pandemic showed how swiftly a health crisis can turn into an economic and geopolitical issue. Climate-related disruptions affect food production, livelihoods and energy security. Digital technologies are reshaping agriculture, education and healthcare, raising questions about access and inequality. India's efforts in health, digital agriculture and renewable energy are significant.

They bring practical experiences into a forum where political considerations often overshadow developmental potential. The proposed BRICS mental health training network, led by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), is one example. Mental health rarely features in international strategic discussions, yet it is a growing concern in developing societies.

India's BRICS engagement reflects a key aspect of its foreign policy – the ability to work with countries that may not share its broader strategic outlook. New Delhi maintains important partnerships with nations across the globe, contributing to BRICS' diverse and inclusive nature.