14 September 2026

Is BRICS Losing Its Mojo?

Foreign Policy | Sarang Shidore

The BRICS group is struggling with internal divisions as ongoing security disputes put its strategic unity at risk before the New Delhi summit. Growing tensions between key members have made it harder for the bloc to act as a united economic and political force, raising doubts about its future.

BRICS was once mainly about economic cooperation and reforming global institutions, but now it faces challenges as its members have different security interests. Disputes over borders, maritime issues, and rival partnerships have led to serious diplomatic divisions. The group’s unity is weakening quickly. To fix this, members need strong ways to resolve conflicts and should keep economic projects separate from security disagreements. The New Delhi summit is a key moment for BRICS to either start a real security dialogue or risk slowly breaking apart.

Comment

Adding countries like Egypt and Iran to BRICS has changed how the group makes decisions. With more members, it is harder for India to balance its ties between the global South and Western partners like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. As a result, the New Delhi summit shows the limits of an alliance that tries to oppose Western dominance when its members have clashing security interests.

This lack of progress is clear in the limits faced by the New Development Bank in Shanghai. Different priorities between Beijing and New Delhi stop the bank from becoming a real alternative to Western-led lenders. Because the group does not share a common security approach, the Contingent Reserve Arrangement stays inactive instead of becoming a useful tool.

Strategic Question for Discussion
How does the continued operational dormancy of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement affect the long-term viability of the BRICS financial architecture as a credible alternative to the International Monetary Fund?
The ongoing inactivity of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement shows that BRICS cannot separate its financial goals from its members’ security disputes. Without a working way to provide liquidity, members will probably keep turning to Western-backed institutions during financial crises. This gap stops BRICS from using its economic strength to become a united force in global politics.
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