Appreciating New Delhi's response on Venezuela raid, Russian media expresses confidence in BRICS chair against US challenges
New Delhi, Jan 6
A BRICS with India at the helm is more equipped to deal with the complexities of charting out a new trade order than a more dominant and assertive China from the point of view of an antagonistic US, observed an article on the website of Russia's international news television network.
"India's major task is to steer the economic and political mandate of a bloc of such gigantic proportions. It should, at the same time, hope to balance the geopolitical complexities of dealing with global powerhouses, with interests in diverse spheres ranging from economy and technology to energy and critical minerals," according to the article on state-controlled RT.com website on Tuesday.
New Delhi formally assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026 where it is expected to push a Global South development‑and‑trade agenda while managing geopolitical tensions and an expanded membership roster.
The group currently comprises 11 member countries, with Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined recently by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
The expansion of BRICS reflects its growing importance in the global economic landscape, representing a significant portion of the world's population and GDP.
The group is often seen as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions and aims to promote a multipolar world order. It serves as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies, focussing on enhancing economic, political, and cultural ties.
The group aims to increase the influence of Global South countries in international governance and improve the legitimacy and efficiency of global institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
The report referred to the US operation in Venezuela on Saturday, saying that it offers BRICS nations an opportunity to raise the issue of the perceived failure of global governance, with reference to the United Nations.
"New Delhi's assumption of the BRICS presidency in the New Year coincided with US forces swooping over the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, and abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife," it added.
The article noted New Delhi's cautious response, and appreciated it since Washington's action had "led to vociferous international condemnation, especially from BRICS nations China, Brazil, and Russia", while "holding the presidency of BRICS, New Delhi will have a tough balancing act to do on such issues."
The report noted, "India's accession comes at a time when the BRICS grouping hopes to expand its footprint. The 2026 presidency will be keenly watched, as US President Donald Trump has made known his aversion to BRICS in no uncertain terms."
Incidentally, earlier this year, US President Trump dismissed the bloc's relevance, stating "BRICS is dead". Yet, the US President threatened to slap a 100 per cent tariff on all imports from member-countries if they launch a common currency for trade, thus undermining the importance of US dollar as the common instrument for exchange. The RT report ended by reminding that India took over the bloc's presidency at a time when New Delhi was negotiating a trade deal with Washington.
"The talks have been thorny since Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods - half of it as a punitive levy for India's oil purchases from Russia."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting perspective from Russian media. They seem to prefer India's leadership over China's, likely because it's less confrontational to the US. India's "cautious response" they appreciated is classic Indian foreign policy - strategic ambiguity. It works.
The timing is tricky. Negotiating a trade deal with the US while leading a bloc Trump openly dislikes? Our foreign ministry has its work cut out. But this is a chance to truly put the Global South agenda on the world stage. Hope we use it well.
We must be careful not to become a pawn in Russia-China vs US games. Our national interest comes first. BRICS is important, but so are our ties with the West for technology and investment. The balancing act is real.
The US raid in Venezuela is exactly why groups like BRICS are needed. One country can't decide the fate of another sovereign nation. India as chair must raise this issue firmly but diplomatically. Global South needs a stronger voice in UN.
With respect, I hope India's leadership focuses on tangible economic cooperation and development, not just geopolitical posturing. The common currency idea seems far off, but reducing dollar dependency for trade among members is a practical goal that can benefit all.
N Nisha Z