BRICS is increasingly evolving from an economic partnership into a broader forum for security, technology and geopolitical cooperation. As the organisation expands its strategic agenda, its growing influence may shape the international environment in which countries such as New Zealand conduct trade, diplomacy and foreign policy.
INR Report: Based on reporting by Ladislav Zemánek for RT.
For much of its existence, BRICS was viewed primarily as an economic grouping bringing together major emerging economies seeking greater influence over international trade, finance and development. According to analyst Ladislav Zemánek, that perception is now changing rapidly as the organisation expands its focus to include strategic security, technological resilience and global governance.
The shift was highlighted during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting held in New Delhi in late June under India's 2026 presidency. Rather than focusing solely on economic cooperation, delegates discussed a broad range of emerging security challenges, reflecting what many observers see as the bloc's evolution into a more comprehensive geopolitical forum.
Security Beyond Traditional Defence
The meeting followed closely after the recent conflict involving Iran and took place amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Participants examined issues extending well beyond conventional military affairs, including:
- Energy security
- Food security
- Cybersecurity
- Supply chain resilience
- Counter-terrorism
- Emerging technologies
- Climate-related instability
According to the report, these discussions reflected an increasingly accepted view that economic resilience, critical infrastructure and technological capability are now inseparable from national security.
India placed particular emphasis on protecting global supply chains during conflicts, improving cooperation against terrorism, strengthening cybersecurity and examining the security implications of technologies such as drone warfare.
The meeting concluded with agreement to expand information sharing, strengthen institutional capabilities and improve coordination among BRICS members in addressing terrorism and cyber threats.
Managing Differences Through Consensus
Despite representing countries with differing geopolitical priorities, BRICS continues to operate through consensus rather than formal alliance structures.
The article notes that members hold varying perspectives on international events, particularly regarding developments in the Middle East. Russia, China and Iran have generally emphasised sovereignty and regional power balances, while India has maintained a more cautious diplomatic position focused on de-escalation and stability.
Rather than viewing these differences as obstacles, the report argues they demonstrate one of BRICS' defining characteristics: cooperation without requiring ideological uniformity. Unlike military alliances that often expect members to adopt common political positions, BRICS seeks agreement where national interests overlap while allowing members to retain independent foreign policies.
Expanding Strategic Dialogue
The New Delhi meeting also provided opportunities for bilateral discussions.
Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while Wang also held talks with Iranian representatives concerning regional developments and efforts to preserve ceasefire arrangements.
According to Zemánek, senior officials presented differing but complementary visions for future international cooperation.
Ajit Doval described a world characterised by military conflict, technological disruption and weakening multilateral institutions.
Wang Yi argued for an international security framework based upon dialogue, territorial integrity and non-interference rather than exclusive military alliances.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu advocated stronger institutional mechanisms within BRICS capable of responding collectively to emerging crises while expanding technological independence and cooperation in areas such as biological security and information resilience.
A More Multipolar World
Although each country's priorities differ, the report concludes they share a common belief that international institutions must adapt to an increasingly multipolar global order.
Rather than evolving into a military alliance, BRICS appears to be developing into an additional forum where emerging powers can coordinate policy across economic, technological and security issues.
Whether the organisation ultimately becomes a permanent pillar of global governance will depend on its ability to accommodate the diversity of its membership while producing practical outcomes that benefit participating nations.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand is not a member of BRICS, but it trades extensively with several of its members and operates within the same global financial and trading system. As BRICS expands its role beyond economic cooperation into strategic dialogue and promotes greater use of national currencies in international trade, developments within the bloc could increasingly influence the environment in which New Zealand businesses, exporters and policymakers operate.
While New Zealand's foreign policy remains closely aligned with its traditional partners, the continued growth of BRICS highlights the emergence of a more multipolar international order. Understanding that shift will be important as New Zealand balances its economic interests with its diplomatic and security relationships in the years ahead.
Source
Original Article: The next chapter of BRICS has begun
Author: Ladislav Zemánek
Publisher: RT