While there is a vast difference in the economies of the BRICS member countries, the foreign policies of the countries also differ. That is why it was difficult for them to reach an agreement. It took even longer to resolve the issue when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed two criteria for deciding on membership.
According to the news agency Reuters, the two conditions that Narendra Modi put forward were that none of the interested countries could be the target of international sanctions and they should also have a minimum per capita GDP requirement.
No statement was given by the BRICS summit regarding how much this proposal of the Indian Prime Minister was taken into consideration. A decision in this regard was to be taken after Wednesday’s plenary session, but an official told Reuters the matter was delayed after the Indian prime minister made the motion.
There is a huge difference in the per capita GDP of the six countries that have been accepted as BRICS members. Among them UAE has the highest per capita GDP (USD 53,758 as per 2022 records of World Bank). At the bottom of the list is Ethiopia (USD 1,027 as per World Bank’s 2022 records). Bangladesh’s per capita GDP was much higher than Ethiopia’s at US$2,688 (World Bank 2022). Indonesia’s value is even higher, at US$4,788. Meanwhile, according to the World Bank, India’s per capita GDP is US$2,388.
Meanwhile, Iran and Venezuela are being considered as possible targets of sanctions from the US-led Western world. Iran has been invited to join BRICS.
In the past, some BRICS leaders have openly called for the creation of a new world order and a dollar-less financial and trading system. Brazilian President Lula even proposed the BRICS currency. Russia and China are trying to position BRICS as a separate power in the face of the Western bloc.
China is the most influential country in this group. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that, “The world has entered a new period of turmoil and change… We must strengthen ourselves through unity, enhance all-party cooperation, and build a higher The founding purpose should always be kept in mind.” quality partnership.
