BRICS in Russian foreign policy / Nivedita Kapoor

Nivedita Kapoor is Junior Fellow with ORF’s Strategic Studies Programme. 

Since the 2014 breakdown of relations with the West, Russia has re-oriented its focus towards non-western institutions, further cementing its move away from post- ‘Cold War’, western-dominated order. This move has also been prompted by economic compulsions and a need to fulfil its own ‘national development goals.’

© Reuters/Pixstream, 2015
This has resulted in Russia initiating the Eastern Economic Forum (2015), expanding trade agreements of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and introducing the ‘Greater Eurasia’ project (2016). The expansion of SCO, annual BRICS meetings, informal BRICS leaders’ summit, and revival of RIC leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of G20 (2018) – all are indicative of Russia’s continued involvement in policies designed to position itself as an important power in the creation of a multipolar world order.

Thus, despite no major announcement coming out of 2019 BRICS summit, the grouping remains of continued relevance to Russia. Even though Russia’s desire to focus more on political issues within BRICS has not materialized with economic issues dominating the discussions, the importance to the former superpower of belonging to a club of ‘influential,’ ‘non-western powers’ cannot be understated. In this context, Russia – which took over the chairmanship of the grouping for 2020 – has declared its intention to pursue ‘expanding foreign policy coordination’ among members on key international platforms particularly the UN during its presidency.

BRICS is an integral part of Russian attempts to pursue a multi-vector policy that is not reliant solely on western dominated institutions. This was reflected in the 2013 approval by President Vladimir Putin of the Concept of Participation of the Russian Federation in BRICS. Identifying the organization as a ‘key long-term foreign policy vector’ for Russian policy, it listed the strategic objectives of the country in BRICS as follows:

• Reform of international monetary and financial system to facilitate economic growth of Russia.
• To progressively expand the foreign policy cooperation with BRICS partners.
• Use BRICS participation to enhance the multi-vector character of Russian foreign policy and strengthen international positions of the country.
• Through BRICS, promote bilateral relations with member states.
• To widen the Russian cultural presence in the world.

The BRICS members have taken a united position on reform of the international monetary system and the process is ongoing. The involvement in BRICS has helped Russia to initiate regular contact – especially in the case of Brazil and South Africa. While Indian and Chinese leaders already meet regularly with Russian leadership, the annual summits become yet another location to touch base – further helping in discussing bilateral issues face-to-face.

Read more in the source: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/brics-in-russian-foreign-policy-61978/