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BRICS vs The West: Is a New Global Economic Order Emerging?

Writer
Nidhi Thakur
timer
August 8, 2025
BRICS vs The West: Is a New Global Economic Order Emerging?blog thumbnail

Quick Summary

  • The BRICS alliance, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include more nations, challenging the traditional economic dominance of the G7.
  • BRICS nations are a major force in the global economy, collectively representing a significant portion of the world's GDP (by purchasing power parity), population, and natural resources.
  • The bloc is working to reduce reliance on the US dollar, with initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB) and a focus on local currency trade, which could reshape global finance.
  • For Indian investors, understanding this geopolitical shift is crucial as it influences trade policies, currency valuations, and investment opportunities in key sectors like commodities and manufacturing.
  • India's strategic position within BRICS and its relationships with Western nations present unique opportunities and challenges that investors should be aware of.

The Shifting Sands of Global Power: BRICS vs The West 🌍

For decades, the global economic stage was largely dominated by a handful of developed nations, often referred to as "the West" or the G7. However, a seismic shift has been underway, driven by the emergence of powerful economies from the Global South. At the heart of this transformation is the BRICS bloc, a group of nations that has grown in influence and is now actively challenging the long-standing status quo. Understanding the dynamic between BRICS vs West is no longer just a matter of geopolitics—it's a critical factor for investors navigating the complexities of the modern financial world.

What is BRICS and Why Does it Matter? 🤔

The term BRIC was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, highlighting the potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China to become major economic forces. South Africa joined in 2010, and more recently, the bloc has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion is a clear signal of the group's growing ambition and appeal.The BRICS alliance isn't a formal organization like the European Union. Instead, it's a loose coalition of countries that coordinate on economic, financial, and political issues. Their primary goal is to create a more multipolar world, where the interests and perspectives of emerging economies are better represented in global institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which they believe are overly dominated by Western powers.

By 2024, the expanded BRICS group's collective GDP (based on Purchasing Power Parity) had already surpassed that of the G7, a powerful statement of its rising economic might. With a combined population of nearly half the world's inhabitants and vast natural resources, BRICS nations have a significant and growing influence on global trade and supply chains.

Key Areas of Competition: BRICS vs West ⚔️

The competition between BRICS and the West is playing out across several key fronts: The Battle for Economic Influence and Multilateralism.

Historically, international finance has been shaped by institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, where Western nations hold considerable sway. In response, BRICS has established the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral lending institution aimed at funding infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member and other developing countries. This provides an alternative source of financing, bypassing the conditionalities sometimes attached to loans from Western-led institutions.

For India, this is a significant development. As a founding member, India plays a key role in the NDB, which can help secure funding for critical infrastructure projects, potentially boosting domestic growth and employment. This also reduces India's financial dependence on Western institutions, allowing for greater autonomy in policymaking.

The Push for De-Dollarization

The US dollar has been the world's reserve currency for decades, giving the United States immense economic power, including the ability to impose sanctions. BRICS nations, particularly Russia and China, have been vocal about reducing their reliance on the dollar. They are actively promoting trade in local currencies, a move that could insulate them from geopolitical pressure and currency fluctuations.

For Indian businesses and investors, this trend towards de-dollarization has several implications. While the US dollar remains crucial for international trade, an increase in local currency trade with BRICS partners could reduce currency conversion costs and risks for Indian exporters and importers. This could also lead to a more stable Indian Rupee in the long run. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is a key player in navigating this shift, ensuring a stable and secure financial environment.

Shifting Trade and Supply Chains 🔗

The relationship between BRICS and the West is not simply adversarial; it is complex and often symbiotic. Many Western companies have deep ties with BRICS nations, especially China and India, for both manufacturing and consumer markets. However, geopolitical tensions have led to discussions around "friend-shoring" and diversifying supply chains.

India, with its vast manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce, is in a prime position to benefit from these shifts. The Indian government's "Make in India" initiative aligns perfectly with this trend, attracting foreign investment and positioning India as a key global manufacturing hub. Indian investors should look for opportunities in sectors that benefit from this increased domestic and international manufacturing focus, such as capital goods, logistics, and technology.

India's Balancing Act: A Strategic Position 🇮🇳India's role in the BRICS vs West dynamic is particularly unique. As a founding member of BRICS, India has been a strong advocate for a multipolar world and the interests of the Global South. However, India also maintains robust diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties with Western powers, including the United States, Europe, and Japan.

This strategic autonomy allows India to engage with all sides, leveraging its relationships to secure the best outcomes for its national interests. The Indian government is committed to strengthening its economic partnerships with BRICS members while also fostering trade and investment with Western nations. This balancing act is a testament to India's growing stature as a global power.Investment Implications for the Indian Market 📈The geopolitical landscape directly impacts financial markets. Here's how Indian investors can navigate this new reality:

  • Commodities: BRICS nations are major producers and consumers of commodities. As they increase their intra-bloc trade, this could impact global commodity prices. Investors can consider opportunities in commodity-linked stocks or funds.
  • Infrastructure and Manufacturing: The NDB's focus on infrastructure development and the global push for supply chain diversification could create significant growth opportunities in India's infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
  • Currency and Forex: While the de-dollarization trend is a long-term play, it's something to monitor. Investors with international exposure should be mindful of currency risks and potential shifts in global currency dynamics.

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