The importance of both Quad and BRICS

The Hindu : Page 09

Syllabus : GS 2 : International Relations

India's strategic alignments in the Quad and BRICS have gained prominence amidst shifting global dynamics, marked by geopolitical rivalries, regional security concerns, and evolving multilateral frameworks.

•  These engagements are crucial as India navigates its foreign policy amidst a changing international order, balancing security imperatives with multilateral cooperation and regional stability.

What is QUAD?

•   It is the grouping of four democracies –India, Australia, the US, and Japan.
•   All four nations find a common ground of being democratic nations and also support the common interest of unhindered maritime trade and security.
•   It aims to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
•   The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.
•   Finally in 2017, India, Australia, the US and Japan, came together and formed this “quadrilateral” coalition.

Role of India in QUAD:

•  Strategic Partnership: India’s involvement in QUAD enhances its strategic partnerships with the other member nations, allowing for collaborative efforts in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
•   Building Indo-In Pacific Policy: One of the primary objectives of QUAD is to mitigate China’s assertive actions in Indo Pacific region.
•   India is positioned to take on a leadership role in regional security.
•  Economic Collaboration: The QUAD nations are working towards strengthening economic ties, including infrastructure development at ‘Strait of Malacca’ and alternative financing options for Indo-Pacific countries.
•   Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: India has actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, exemplified by its Operation Sanjeevani, which provided medical assistance to several Indo-Pacific nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is BRICS?

•  About:

o  BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

o  The BRICS Leaders’ Summit is convened annually.

o  The 15th BRICS Summit was hosted by South Africa in 2023, and Russia will host the 16th Brics summit in October 2024.

•   Formation of BRICS:

o  The grouping was first informally formed during a meeting of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) on the sidelines of the G8 (now G7) Outreach Summit in St.Petersburg, Russia, in 2006, this was later formalised during the 1st BRIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York in 2006.

o  In 2009, the inaugural BRIC summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The following year (2010), South Africa joined to form the group known as BRICS.

Silverlining on BRICS

•   Promoting South-South Cooperation: BRICS represents a significant non-Western global initiative in the post-Cold War era. It can bring together major emerging economies from different parts of the world.
•  Amplifying Voices in Global Governance: The BRICS Population is around 40% of the world so the BRICS nations can amplify their voices in global governance and expand their choices of international partners through this grouping.
•  Fostering Economic Resilience: Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BRICS has emerged as a more effective and efficient institution in fostering economic resilience among its member nations.
•  Exploring Alternative Financial Mechanisms: BRICS has taken steps to establish alternative financial mechanisms, such as the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
•  Role BRICS group in G20: The BRICS group has consistently pushed for the inclusion of development issues in the G20 agenda. They argue that the G20 should prioritize the needs of developing countries, particularly in terms of infrastructure investment and social sector support
•  Promoting Sustainable Development: The BRICS nations have emphasized the importance of responsible financing for green and sustainable development.
•  Initiatives like the NDB’s focus on sustainable infrastructure projects which would help in achieving of SDG Goal 9.

UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2014

Ques: With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:

1.   The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.

2.   South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

 UPSC Mains PYQ : 2020

Ques : Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.