What the West Does Not Understand About BRICS

Source: Hindustan Times | Original Published At: 2026-05-12 12:30:33 UTC

Key Points

• The author says Western criticism of BRICS over the lack of a unified Iran statement misunderstands the group’s purpose.
• The article argues BRICS members have different geopolitical and economic stakes, and disagreement does not mean institutional failure.
• It contrasts BRICS with Western blocs that often emphasize unified positions through internal discipline.
• BRICS is described as a platform for sovereign states to coordinate while preserving independent policy choices.
• The piece highlights practical cooperation areas such as development banking, national-currency settlements, trade, and energy.
• The author concludes that pluralism within BRICS reflects a multipolar international system rather than organizational weakness.