BRICS has emerged as a coalition of nations that share a history of colonialism or imperialism, positioning itself as an alternative to Western poles of power. India, hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit, was under British rule for more than a century before independence in 1947.

Brazil endured Portuguese colonisation, South Africa faced both colonialism and apartheid, and China suffered repeated imperial interventions. Several newer BRICS members also experienced colonial domination.

The central question remains whether these nations, once excluded from shaping the international order, can now reshape institutions or carve space within them on their own terms.

The grouping has clarified that it does not seek to dismantle existing institutions entirely. Instead, BRICS has become a voice for the Global South, advocating for a multipolar world. A major project in this pursuit is the push for permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council for India and Brazil. 

Although China and Russia already hold permanent membership, the bloc has consistently argued for extending permanent seats and veto powers to India and Brazil.

The 2025 BRICS declaration, recalling the 2022 Beijing and 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders’ Declarations, reaffirmed Chinese and Russian support for these aspirations.

India’s case is strengthened by its role as the second-largest contributor to UNSC peacekeeping missions in terms of troops and police, behind Nepal as of May 2026. In terms of military contribution alone, India leads globally.

While several UNSC members remain embroiled in violent conflicts in West Asia and Europe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised peace, declaring that this is “not an era of war,” a message reiterated during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek.

Scholars have long argued for UNSC expansion to ensure continental representation. Eva Parvanova of Angel Kanchev University of Ruse has presented a case for India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany—the G-4 grouping formed in 2004.

She highlighted India’s population dividend, nuclear capability, and peacekeeping record as compelling reasons for permanent membership. German-Brazilian scholar Oliver Stuenkel has similarly argued for India and Brazil, while noting India’s private interests in South Asia tied to permanent membership.

On the economic front, BRICS has challenged Western institutions by establishing the New Development Bank in 2015 as an alternative to the World Bank and IMF. The NDB has approved financing worth ₹3,57,000 crores for 139 projects.

In 2021, the bank welcomed its first non-founding members, expanding its reach among emerging markets and developing countries. A key initiative has been the expansion of local currency financing, reducing reliance on the dollar.

De-dollarisation remains a critical goal. Mumbai-based academician Sanjay Ranade emphasised its importance but warned against over-reliance on China. He noted that BRICS is working on interoperable digital payments architecture, driven largely by China’s digital infrastructure.

While all members desire de-dollarisation, trust in China remains a challenge. Ranade argued that this burden must be overcome if BRICS is to meaningfully challenge Euro-American dominance.

Epistemologically, BRICS does not aim to dismantle global systems but seeks to foster multipolarity. 

The bloc holds summits and meetings across diverse fields—science, culture, economics, health, and climate change—while maintaining regular consultations among Finance Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and National Security Advisors. This creates space for a parallel epistemology, with knowledge flowing from the Global South.

On the coloniality of knowledge, BRICS nations are urged not to adopt Western definitions of development and modernity. Instead, civilizational states such as India, China, and Iran should define modernity from their own perspectives.

The bloc can further decolonise by adopting inclusive terminology, moving away from Eurocentric labels such as “Middle East.” With Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia participating in BRICS summits, the grouping has the opportunity to reshape regional narratives.

Prime Minister Modi has consistently opposed the “Macaulay mindset,” advocating for resilience against Western constructs.

The 2026 BRICS Summit, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” underscores this vision. India’s leadership within BRICS positions it to amplify the voice of the Global South, advancing resilience against Western institutions while promoting inclusive development.

ANI