A Decade of BRICS: Indian Perspectives for the Future

A Decade of BRICS: Indian Perspectives for the Future

Editor: Samir Saran
Publisher: Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Publication Year: 2017

About the Book

A Decade of BRICS: Indian Perspectives for the Future offers an in-depth and forward-looking exploration of the BRICS grouping as it completes its first decade. Edited by Samir Saran, the volume brings together senior scholars and emerging researchers who analyse how BRICS can strengthen its institutional structures and navigate the geopolitical uncertainties shaping global governance.

The book begins by tracing the political evolution of BRICS—from its unlikely transformation from an economic acronym to a functioning multilateral coalition—highlighting how five diverse nations found common cause in demanding a more inclusive global order. Despite ideological differences, BRICS members share the ambition to reform entrenched Western-led governance systems and expand their collective influence.

Across its chapters, the volume examines issue-specific domains essential for the group’s future: global governance reform, institutional cooperation, energy security, development paradigms, SDG implementation, public health collaboration, gender mainstreaming, smart-city development, and emerging security challenges—both traditional and cyber-related. The analyses highlight how BRICS must focus on shared interests rather than political convergence, emphasising the importance of practical cooperation through institutions such as the New Development Bank.

A recurring theme is the need for BRICS to transition from state-centric engagement to broader societal participation—including academia, civil society, and business networks. The book argues that only through deeper intellectual cooperation, technological collaboration, and enhanced digital connectivity can BRICS retain relevance and shape global governance in the decades ahead.

This volume is an essential resource for scholars of international relations, global governance, geopolitical strategy, and emerging-power diplomacy.

Contents

• Editor’s Note — Samir Saran
• BRICS Role in Global Governance Processes — H.H.S. Viswanathan & Shubh Soni
• The Case for the New Development Bank Institute — Samir Saran & Aparajit Pandey
• Rebuilding BRICS through Energy — Aparajit Pandey
• Scripting a New Development Paradigm: India and the BRICS Partnership — Pulin B. Nayak
• BRICS & SDGs: Prospects of Minilateral Action on a Multilateral Agenda? — Vikrom Mathur
• Common Health Challenges and Prospects for Cooperation in BRICS — T.C. James
• BRICS Vision for Smart Cities — Rumi Aijaz
• Gendering the BRICS Agenda — Urvashi Aneja & Vidisha Mishra
• The BRICS Security Agenda: Challenges Galore — Harsh V. Pant
• China’s Cyber Sovereignty Vision: Can BRICS Concur? — Madhulika Srikumar
• Endnotes / References