Modi urges BRICS to avoid Anti-West position as Group expands

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the BRICS alliance to remain neutral and avoid an anti-West stance, even as the bloc expands to include more member nations. Speaking at the latest BRICS summit, Modi emphasized the importance of collaboration and constructive engagement with Western nations, noting that the group’s focus should remain on fostering economic growth and sustainable development, rather than positioning itself in opposition to established Western powers.

With BRICS adding new members including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates the group is set to extend its influence across several continents. The expansion has sparked questions over the bloc’s future trajectory, with some observers suggesting it could take a more adversarial stance toward the West, particularly the United States and the European Union. Modi, however, cautioned against such an approach, stressing that BRICS’s unique strength lies in its ability to bridge divides and create partnerships.

“As BRICS grows, it is essential we avoid becoming an anti-West platform,” Modi said during his address. “Our goal should be to foster mutual respect and collaboration across all fronts, making BRICS a force for good on the global stage.”

Modi’s comments highlight India’s nuanced position within BRICS. As a democracy with longstanding economic ties to both the West and BRICS members like China and Russia, India is uniquely positioned to advocate for balanced diplomacy within the bloc. Modi’s call for neutrality comes amid increased geopolitical polarization, with Western countries imposing sanctions on Russia and heightening scrutiny of China’s global ambitions.

Analysts view Modi’s statements as a signal of India’s desire to maintain BRICS as an inclusive platform focused on economic cooperation, technological innovation, and sustainable development. As the world’s largest democracy and an emerging economic powerhouse, India has taken a lead in advocating for reform within global institutions to reflect the interests of the developing world, while remaining open to collaboration with Western nations.

“India’s approach within BRICS is pragmatic and development-focused,” said Priya Rao, a professor of international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Modi’s remarks underscore India’s intent to avoid divisive alignments and instead leverage BRICS as a means of addressing shared challenges, from climate change to economic inequality.”

Modi’s comments were echoed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who noted that BRICS’s purpose is to foster a multipolar world where developing nations have a voice. Ramaphosa stressed that BRICS is committed to fostering international stability and economic equity, rather than choosing sides in global rivalries.

In contrast, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for BRICS to push back against what he termed “unilateralism” by Western powers. Xi’s comments reflect a divergence in perspective within the bloc, with China and Russia often advocating for a more assertive stance against Western dominance. However, Modi’s appeal for neutrality underscores India’s role as a mediator, seeking to balance the diverse perspectives within BRICS to ensure cohesion.

As BRICS continues to expand, member countries are expected to explore initiatives aimed at boosting intra-bloc trade, investing in sustainable development projects, and promoting digital innovation. Modi’s emphasis on neutrality suggests that India will continue to play a central role in guiding BRICS’s direction, pushing for a cooperative approach that can address global challenges without deepening geopolitical rifts.

The next steps for the BRICS alliance, especially with new members joining, will likely involve refining its mission and establishing a unified stance on issues ranging from economic reform to geopolitical alignment.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | BRICS Summit.