Model Answer

Introduction

The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a significant phase in the group’s evolution. This expansion is an attempt to enhance BRICS’ global influence, but it also brings challenges related to differing national interests and governance systems.

Strengths of BRICS in the Present Scenario

1. Demographic and Economic Weight

BRICS now accounts for almost 46% of the global population, offering immense demographic leverage. Economically, its share of world GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) has increased from 31.6% to over 35.6%, strengthening its global economic clout.

2. Strengthened Global Governance

With BRICS countries holding three consecutive G20 presidencies (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025), the bloc can push its agenda more effectively in global governance.

3. Voice of the Global South

The expansion is seen as a step towards promoting solidarity and strategic partnerships in the Global South, advancing multilateralism and inclusive global governance.

4. Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar

BRICS aims to reduce its reliance on the US dollar by encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions.

Weaknesses of BRICS in the Present Scenario

1. Heterogeneous Group

The group is ideologically and economically diverse. While some members, like Russia and China, have current account surpluses, others like India and South Africa face deficits. Additionally, the political regimes within BRICS vary, with some members being democracies and others authoritarian.

2. Limited Trade Integration

Despite the bloc’s large share in global exports (25%), intra-BRICS trade is limited, accounting for only 3.7% of global trade in 2021.

3. Fragile Geopolitical Unity

Geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing India-China territorial disputes, create divisions within the bloc, affecting its ability to act cohesively on global issues.

4. Dominance of China

China’s overwhelming economic influence, contributing to over 50% of BRICS’s GDP, risks overshadowing the goals of other members and may lead to prioritizing China’s geopolitical interests.

Conclusion

BRICS represents both a powerful collective force and a complex coalition. While it enhances global influence, the group must navigate internal divisions and differing interests to make a meaningful impact on global governance.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), since its inception in 2001, aimed to foster political, economic, and security cooperation among member states in Eurasia. While it has made notable strides in certain areas, its overall progress has been slower than many expected. Despite this, the SCO has successfully established itself as a key platform for regional cooperation, particularly in security and economic sectors.

Security Cooperation

Joint Military Exercises: The SCO has conducted regular joint military exercises, such as the Peaceful Mission, to enhance coordination and interoperability among the armed forces of member states. These exercises focus primarily on counterterrorism operations, a central concern for the organization.

Intelligence Sharing: Through the SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the organization facilitates intelligence sharing among member states, enhancing collective security efforts against regional threats, such as terrorism.

Border Security Cooperation: The SCO has supported joint border operations to address issues like illegal migration and cross-border terrorism. For example, China’s People’s Armed Police has collaborated with Afghan and Tajik forces for counterterrorism patrols along their shared borders.

Economic Cooperation

Infrastructure Development: The SCO has facilitated key infrastructure projects to improve regional connectivity. Notably, the Samarkand Declaration outlines initiatives to enhance transportation and technological infrastructure, thereby fostering economic integration.

Financial Cooperation: The SCO Interbank Consortium, established to support investment in member states, has played a pivotal role. As of August 2022, China Development Bank had approved 63 projects worth $14.6 billion, demonstrating the financial support for regional development.

Boosting Trade and Investment: Trade among SCO members grew significantly, reaching $6 trillion by 2020, up from $667 billion in 2001. The SCO Business Council plays a vital role in fostering investment and trade among its members.

Challenges and Unfulfilled Projects

Despite these achievements, the SCO faces challenges in fulfilling its long-term economic goals. The Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline project has experienced significant delays due to pricing and transit disputes. Moreover, the proposed SCO Development Fund remains unrealized, with discussions continuing since 2013.

Conclusion

While the SCO has not advanced as rapidly as expected, its role in fostering security cooperation through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and border security initiatives remains significant. In economic terms, the SCO has made progress in trade, investment, and infrastructure development, though several planned projects have yet to materialize. The organization’s future success depends on its ability to overcome internal differences and address the evolving needs of its member states.

Model Answer

Implications for India

Strategic Counter to China

The IMEC provides India with a strategic platform to counter China’s growing influence in the Gulf region. By participating in IMEC, India positions itself as a key player opposing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), thereby ensuring its presence in the geopolitically crucial region. This aligns India as a counterweight to China’s economic and diplomatic dominance.

Economic Growth and Trade Facilitation

IMEC promises to significantly reduce transportation time and costs, unlocking new trade routes between India, West Asia, and Europe. Trade with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Greece is set to grow, benefiting key sectors like engineering goods, green hydrogen, and green ammonia. Transportation costs to Europe could decrease by 30%, while time taken could reduce by 40%, improving India’s export competitiveness.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Significance

India’s involvement in IMEC strengthens its diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern and European nations. The corridor provides an opportunity for cultural exchanges, dialogue, and enhanced regional cooperation, bolstering India’s global standing in shaping future geopolitical dynamics.

Economic Integration

IMEC will foster regional economic integration by increasing trade accessibility, securing supply chains, and reducing operational costs. The corridor is poised to create job opportunities, promote sustainable economic practices, and support India’s growing role in regional and global economic cooperation.

Implications for the World

1. Broader Eurasian IntegrationIMEC acts as a catalyst for a more interconnected Eurasian supercontinent, linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This integration will likely shift the global economic center of gravity eastward, with both the US and Europe contributing to the creation of a balanced Eurasian order.
2. Clean Energy and Technological Advancement
   IMEC is designed to support the development and export of clean energy, integrating energy and telecommunication grids. This will not only enhance energy security in the region but also promote sustainable development through technological advancements.