"Aligning Goals: How Russia's BRICS Presidency Priorities Mirror India's Aims for the Global South"

This year, as Russia presides over the BRICS group, its priorities will align with India's focus for the Global South. Russia aspires to portray BRICS, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as an entity separate from Western influence rather than in opposition to it. This sentiment was expressed by Roman Babushkin, the Deputy Ambassador of Russia to India, who emphasized that BRICS aims to provide alternative mechanisms for economic and international relations, free from the politically-charged dynamics often associated with Western institutions. Furthermore, Russia is considering expanding the BRICS partnership. The notion would include potential inclusion of five new members into BRICS—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, as stated by Babushkin. This plan was communicated during a meeting where Russia’s BRICS Presidency goals were detailed. Russia's ambitions for BRICS extend to bolstering coordination within multilateral platforms to tackle terrorism and money laundering, which could greatly benefit India. Around 200 events led by Russia are planned leading up to the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October, according to Babushkin. Commerce among BRICS nations and collaboration in the technology sector will be given special attention. Russia also intends to seek support from the BRICS Bank (New Development Bank) for the International North South Transportation Corridor project. This project is a significant connectivity venture in Eurasia that links Russia with India through Iran. Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the commitment to promote global development and security under the theme of "Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security." Putin echoed Babushkin's sentiment regarding expanding BRICS partners, stating that approximately 30 countries could be integrated to varying degrees into the wider BRICS agenda. The groundwork is being laid for a new category of BRICS partner nations as a result of this. In addition to these plans, Putin reaffirmed Russia's dedication to enhance the foreign policy coordination among BRICS members. This is done with the goal to collectively tackle regional and global security threats and challenges.