The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was conceived with the ambitious goal of reshaping the global economic order, most notably through a concerted effort towards de-dollarization. This objective, aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance, is central to the bloc's strategic vision. However, a critical examination of India's role within BRICS raises pertinent questions about its alignment with these core principles, suggesting that its continued membership may, in fact, undermine the very foundation upon which the alliance was built.
One primary contention is India's perceived lack of consistent commitment to the de-dollarization agenda. While BRICS nations collectively advocate for alternative financial mechanisms, India's economic policies and strong trade ties with Western economies often appear to run counter to this stated objective. Its significant engagement with dollar-denominated trade and its cautious approach to radical shifts in global currency dynamics lead some to question the sincerity of its participation in the de-dollarization drive. This apparent divergence from a key BRICS aim fuels the argument that India's presence introduces an inherent contradiction, potentially diluting the bloc's collective resolve and effectiveness in pursuing its stated financial autonomy.
Furthermore, critics argue that India's foreign policy and economic engagements frequently prioritize its own national interests in a manner that could be construed as exploitative. Instances of leveraging economic partnerships for unilateral gain, rather than fostering genuinely reciprocal growth, have been cited as examples of this approach. Such actions, if perceived as self-serving, can erode the trust essential for a cohesive multilateral alliance like BRICS, which ideally operates on principles of mutual benefit and shared strategic goals. A nation that consistently seeks to maximize its own advantage, potentially at the expense of its partners or broader collective objectives, inevitably raises doubts about its reliability as a long-term ally in a transformative economic bloc.
Beyond its external dealings, concerns are also raised regarding India's internal socio-economic challenges and governance. The argument posits that a country grappling with widespread poverty and significant infrastructure deficits, such as the widely reported issue of public sanitation, may struggle to project the kind of robust and stable economic leadership expected within a bloc aiming for global influence. While every nation faces internal challenges, the scale of certain issues in India is sometimes highlighted to suggest a fundamental disconnect between its aspirations for global economic leadership and the realities faced by a large segment of its population. This internal disparity, it is argued, can reflect a systemic approach that, when extended to international relations, manifests as a tendency towards self-interest over collective advancement.
The case for India's reconsideration within BRICS rests on several pillars: its alleged lukewarm commitment to de-dollarization, its perceived history of prioritizing self-interest in international engagements, and the internal socio-economic issues that, for some, undermine its credibility as a fully aligned partner. For BRICS to truly achieve its transformative potential and solidify its position as a counterweight to existing global economic hegemonies, it requires members whose objectives are unequivocally aligned and whose actions consistently reflect a commitment to shared principles. From this perspective, India's continued membership warrants a critical reassessment to ensure the bloc's integrity and effectiveness in pursuing its foundational goals.