BRICS+ vs The West: Can India Lead the New Global Order?

Manoj Ambat
Jul 3
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9

A Silent Revolution in Global Power

For decades, the world has operated under a Western-led order — with the U.S. dollar as the global currency, NATO as the dominant military alliance, and Western powers shaping international institutions.

But in recent years, a new axis of power has begun to rise.

BRICS+, an expanded coalition of emerging nations, is positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western hegemony. With the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and potentially more, this group is evolving from an economic alliance into a potential global force.

And in the center of it all stands India — a democratic powerhouse with strategic leverage in both the East and West.

🔎 What is BRICS+?

Originally formed in the 2000s, BRICS included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group aimed to create a cooperative platform for emerging economies frustrated with Western-centric institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and UNSC.

But the formation of BRICS+ marks a major evolution — expanding its influence in:

Energy (Saudi Arabia, Iran)
Geopolitics (Egypt, Russia)
South-South Cooperation (Ethiopia, Brazil)

With these new members, BRICS+ now commands over 40% of the world’s population and a massive share of oil and resource reserves.

💵 De-Dollarization: Challenging the U.S. Financial Grip

One of the bloc’s boldest moves? Reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar.

After witnessing the West's use of financial sanctions and SWIFT bans — especially post the Russia-Ukraine conflict — BRICS+ countries are pushing for:

Trade in local currencies
Creation of a BRICS digital currency
Alternatives to SWIFT and Western banking systems

India has already initiated rupee-based trade with Russia and Iran, signaling its intent to play a leading role in this economic shift.

🛡️ Military & Strategic Dimensions

Though not a military alliance like NATO, there’s rising military cooperation among BRICS+ members:

China and Russia conduct joint patrols.
India has participated in multilateral BRICS drills.
Iran collaborates with Russia on naval exercises.

This growing defense dialogue raises critical questions:

Will BRICS+ evolve into a security bloc?
Can India maintain its delicate balance between BRICS and the Quad?

🇮🇳 India: The Key to a Multipolar World

India is uniquely positioned in this geopolitical puzzle:

A founding BRICS member
A core player in the Quad alliance (with the U.S., Japan, Australia)
A nuclear power with economic ambition and democratic governance

India's vision of strategic autonomy allows it to engage deeply with both BRICS+ and Western allies — but it must:

Guard against Chinese dominance within BRICS
Champion fair leadership of the Global South
Push for global governance reform in institutions where it still lacks veto power