BRICS 2025 Declaration
By Dr Arun Mitra
Several important developments have emerged from the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On July 6 and 7.Although U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong displeasure over the summit — even calling it a conspiracy to end the dominance of the U.S. dollar. He also suggested imposing a 10% tariff on BRICS member countries. In this context, the BRICS meeting becomes extremely significant, as today’s global issues are no longer limited to trade alone — but extend to using military power and pressure to control trade, particularly as done by the United States.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of ending. The U.S., which once talked of peace, is now offering more weapons to Ukraine, such as the Patriot air missile defense systems, and urging Germany to provide arms as well. The U.S. arms industry is more interested in prolonging the war to earn profit by selling the arms. NATO countries have decided to increase their defense spending from 2% to 5% of their GDP.
While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is condemnable, NATO’s expansionist policies have played a key role in this. President Putin announced the invasion after repeated warnings against Ukraine joining NATO were ignored. Instead, Sweden and Norway were also inducted into NATO.
On the other hand, the massacre being carried out by Israel’s Zionist government in Gaza is among the most inhuman acts of the modern era. Despite the rulings of the United Nations and International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC), Israel continues its aggression with impunity. The U.S. not only supports it but also is supplying Israel with deadly bombs. Israel is even carrying out attacks in other parts of the Middle East. The U.S. and European nations are now seen cooperating with groups in Syria that they once labelled as terrorists.
The conflict between India and Pakistan, following a terrorist incident in Pahalgam, lasted only four days — but long-standing tensions remain, constantly fuelled by imperialist powers.
Meanwhile, several African countries are engulfed in internal wars, which are encouraged by imperialist nations. In Sudan alone, more than 150,000 people have died. President Trump has said that African nations should buy arms from the U.S. Much of this aggression is driven by the global demand for rare earth elements needed for modern technology, which are believed to be abundant in Africa.
In South America, the U.S. has attempted to take control of the Panama Canal, proposed changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico. It has also expressed interest in taking over Greenland.
Several developed nations are also intentionally creating instability in developing and underdeveloped countries for geopolitical advantage.
As a result, global military expenditure has increased for the ninth consecutive year, reaching $2,443 billion in 2023, a 6.8% rise from the previous year.
There was a time when developing nations, under the banner of the Non-Aligned Movement, resisted these imperialist designs. But now, India has weakened that movement, and even disregarded SAARC. Platforms that once facilitated dialogue and opposition to imperialism are now largely inactive. In this scenario, the resurgence of BRICS is a relatively positive development.
At the BRICS Summit in Brazil, the focus was on world peace, increasing mutual trade, promoting South-South cooperation, and condemning Israel’s assault on Gaza, end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Terrorism of any kind too was condemned. Proposals were made for a common BRICS currency, and for conducting trade in local currencies.
Clause 38 of the final BRICS declaration expressed deep concern over the growing nuclear threat and the risk of nuclear conflict. It called for the revival of disarmament efforts, reinforcement of the non-proliferation regime, and the preservation of global peace and security. It emphasized the need to establish nuclear-weapons-free zones and pledge not to use nuclear weapons in such regions.
In today’s world, BRICS can play a progressive role. This is reflected in the growing number of member countries. It has the potential to become an anti-imperialist institution. As Brazilian President Lula said, “America wants to be emperor, but the time of emperorship is over.”
India must now play a deeper and more active role in BRICS. The next BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in India, and planning must begin now. In groups like the G7 and QUAD, India has no special position, but within BRICS, if India takes a principled and strong stand, it can strengthen its global stature.
If BRICS promotes peace, demands reforms in the United Nations, advocates for the end of the veto system, and India raises these issues loudly, change is possible. India should also strive to revive the Non-Aligned Movement. However, India’s recent support of Israel has weakened its image globally — this is why, after the Pahalgam terrorist incident, no country fully stood with India.
It is unfortunate that the current Indian government aligns foreign policy with domestic electoral interests, rather than focusing on the long-term interests of the nation.
What India truly needs today is to work toward a multipolar world instead of a unipolar one. This can help restore India’s diminished global image. India must distance itself from states like Israel, and re-engage with longstanding allies like Iran, and foster peaceful dialogue with South Asian neighbours.
Given the rising threat of nuclear weapons due to ongoing wars, these efforts are more urgent than ever. India has the opportunity and the capability to take the lead — what’s needed is a political will and vision. (IPA Service)
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