APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 12/09/2026

Model answer

With India chairing BRICS for the fourth time in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, BRICS has emerged as an important platform for advancing Global South interests and a more representative multilateral order.

1. Significance of BRICS for India

a) Voice of the Global South

• Provides India a platform to advocate reform of global governance institutions, including greater representation of developing economies.
• Collectively, the 11 BRICS members account for about 49.5% of global population and 40% of global GDP.

b) Strategic autonomy

• Enables India to engage simultaneously with Russia, China, West Asia, Africa and Latin America, complementing its multi-alignment strategy.
• Helps avoid excessive dependence on any single geopolitical bloc.

c) Economic diversification

• Facilitates cooperation in trade, investment, services and resilient global value chains.
• The 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers’ meeting emphasised the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030 and diversified global value chains.

d) Development finance

• The New Development Bank (NDB) mobilises resources for infrastructure and sustainable-development projects in emerging and developing economies.
• It can complement existing multilateral financing mechanisms.

e) Emerging technologies and innovation

• India’s 2026 agenda places innovation and technology prominently within BRICS cooperation.
• The Bharat Innovates Exposition alongside the Summit seeks to connect Indian deep-tech innovators with global stakeholders.

f) Assam/Northeast dimension

• BRICS cooperation in connectivity, sustainable urbanisation, tourism, agriculture and digital technology can complement India’s Act East Policy.
• Example: better Northeast connectivity can strengthen India’s economic interface with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.

2. Challenges to BRICS’ Effectiveness

3. Way Forward

India should pursue “cooperation without bloc politics” through

Issue-based convergence → Institutional strengthening → Economic integration → Global South leadership

• Prioritise practical cooperation in trade, health, energy, technology and development finance.
• Strengthen NDB financing and institutional mechanisms.
• Promote reform rather than replacement of existing multilateral institutions.
• Build consensus despite geopolitical differences.
• Ensure that BRICS expansion translates into effective outcomes, not merely greater membership.

BRICS should evolve as a pragmatic, inclusive and solutions-oriented platform, consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and India’s commitment to cooperative multilateralism. A stronger BRICS can contribute to a more representative global order and Viksit Bharat 2047 without becoming an exclusionary geopolitical bloc.