Discuss the role of Russia in BRICS

 Russia plays a multifaceted and increasingly significant role within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping, driven by its strategic geopolitical and economic objectives. As a founding member, Russia has consistently championed the bloc's evolution into a more influential force in global governance, aiming to foster a multipolar world order and counterbalance perceived Western dominance. This ambition has become even more pronounced in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed by Western nations.

One of Russia's primary motivations within BRICS is to enhance its economic resilience and diversify its international partnerships. Given its vast natural resources, particularly in oil, gas, coal, and various minerals, Russia leverages BRICS to secure new markets and strengthen trade ties with rapidly growing economies like China and India. Beyond raw materials, Russia also seeks to export finished products such as medicines, telecommunications, aerospace equipment, and electrical appliances to BRICS partners. The discussions around increasing the use of national currencies in trade among BRICS nations, as advocated by President Vladimir Putin, directly align with Russia's efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar and mitigate the impact of Western financial sanctions. The proposed "independent settlement system" within BRICS further underscores this objective, aiming for faster, more efficient, and safer currency transactions.

Geopolitically, Russia views BRICS as a crucial platform for status-seeking and projecting its influence on the international stage. It sees the bloc as a vehicle to reform existing international rules and norms, adapting them to new global realities rather than challenging them outright. This involves advocating for a more equitable global governance system that gives a stronger voice to the Global South and reduces the perceived imbalance in institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank. Russia actively promotes the idea of BRICS as a "credible centre of attraction for countries seeking an independent foreign policy course," thereby enhancing its own legitimacy and prestige in international relations. The recent expansion of BRICS, which saw the inclusion of countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, is also seen as a significant step towards achieving this multipolar vision, and Russia has been instrumental in facilitating this growth.

Furthermore, Russia has been a strong proponent of strengthening cooperation within BRICS across various sectors. In finance, it actively supports the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by BRICS nations. While the NDB aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies, it also represents a tangible alternative to Western-dominated financial institutions. Russia, as a founding member, has an equal shareholding in the NDB, and its participation is crucial for the bank's operational effectiveness and strategic direction. However, it's worth noting that the NDB, while supporting BRICS members, has also demonstrated adherence to "sound banking principles," leading to a temporary halt on new transactions with Russia following the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting some of the complexities within the bloc.

Despite its strong commitment to BRICS, Russia faces certain challenges within the grouping. While Russia, along with China, often views BRICS as a potential counterweight to the US-dominated West, other members like India and Brazil tend to adopt a more pragmatic approach, seeking to maintain positive relations with all major global powers. This divergence in foreign policy priorities can sometimes slow down the implementation of more ambitious initiatives, such as the full de-dollarization of trade or the creation of a unified BRICS currency. India's recent reluctance to fully endorse a joint BRICS currency plan, for instance, illustrates these internal differences. Additionally, Russia's efforts to position BRICS as an explicitly anti-Western bloc risk alienating key members who prioritize economic cooperation and development over geopolitical confrontation.

In conclusion, Russia's role in BRICS is pivotal and deeply intertwined with its foreign policy and economic resilience strategies. It utilizes the platform to enhance its global standing, diversify its economic partnerships, and advocate for a more equitable and multipolar international order. While the path to achieving these objectives within the diverse BRICS framework presents its own complexities and challenges, Russia remains a committed and influential player, actively shaping the bloc's agenda and contributing to its growing prominence on the world stage.