2026 · GS Paper 2 · Q10 · 10 marks
“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.
In short
BRICS projects itself as an alternative through parallel institutions like the New Development Bank, an expanding membership and a push to reform the IMF and UN Security Council, though internal divergence limits it. BRICS+ holds about 48% of the world's population and 32% of global GDP (RIS, 2025).
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 312 words
With about 48% of the world's population and 32% of global GDP (RIS, 2025), BRICS projects itself as the Global South's alternative to the G7 and to Bretton Woods institutions shaped in 1945.
How BRICS Projects Itself as an Alternative
BRICS vs the G7-led Order a: BRICS+ b: G7 and Bretton Woods → About 48% of world population :: Under 10% (G7) → NDB and CRA :: World Bank and IMF → Equal NDB founding shares :: Quota-weighted votes → Open to Global South :: Closed rich-country club → Local-currency trade :: Dollar-centred finance
1. Parallel institutions: The New Development Bank and the USD 100 billion Contingent Reserve Arrangement (Fortaleza, 2014) provide finance outside the World Bank and IMF, with equal founding shares. 2. Weight of numbers: Its share of world GDP rose from 15.1% in 2000 to 31.7% in 2024 (RIS), while the G7 holds under 10% of the world's people. 3. Expanding tent: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE joined in 2024 and Indonesia in 2025, plus a partner tier from Kazan (2024). 4. Reform agenda: It backs IMF quota reform, a larger UN Security Council role for Brazil, India and South Africa, and local-currency trade.
Internal divergence
India-China rivalry and divergent interests in an enlarged bloc left 2026 ministerial meetings with only a Chair's Statement noting "differing views".
China's shadow
China's economic weight makes India wary of a common currency that could turn BRICS into Beijing's vehicle.
Not anti-West
India's role in the Quad and G7 outreach makes BRICS one track of multi-alignment, and the NDB still lends mostly in dollars.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.