BRICS provides a resilient balance in global politics & trade

In an era of intensifying geopolitical competition and economic uncertainty, BRICS has emerged as a resilient balancing force in global politics and trade. Across multiple regions, the bloc’s member states are leveraging diplomatic alignment, strategic partnerships, and sectoral cooperation to counter external pressures and assert greater agency in global affairs. From Brazil and China’s strengthening trade and political ties amid US tariffs, to Russia and India’s industrial collaboration, BRICS demonstrates its capacity to foster multipolarity, stability, and sustainable development. Beyond traditional trade and industry, the bloc is also coordinating responses to global health threats, underscoring the interconnected nature of political, economic, and social resilience in a complex world.

Brazil & China 

Brazil and China have strengthened their political and diplomatic alignment in response to growing US trade hostility. In response to US trade measures, China reaffirmed its support for Brazil, describing the tariffs as inconsistent with international trade rules. In turn, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defending Brazil’s trade interests through multilateral institutions such as the WTO (World Trade Organisation). 

One of many examples of the deepened Brazil-China relationship in trade, is the record beef trade between the two countries. In September 2025, Brazil’s beef exports to China surged by 38.3% to 187,340 tonnes, offsetting the decline in US demand caused by President Trump’s 50% tariffs. China’s expanded purchases pushed Brazil’s total beef exports to nearly 374,000 tonnes, generating $1.92 billion in revenue. This surge not only underscores China’s growing role as Brazil’s primary trade partner but also signals a global trade realignment, as nations have become more weary of possible tensions with the US. With exports to 130 countries, and the EU (European Union) emerging as a secondary market, Brazil’s agricultural sector is adapting effectively to the new multipolar trading landscape shaped by BRICS cooperation and inadvertently pushed by tariffs. 

India & Russia

Russia and India have agreed to enhance cooperation in the textile sector. As the two BRICS partners held discussions in Moscow between senior officials from both governments, they highlighted a coordinated effort to strengthen bilateral engagement beyond traditional sectors like defence and energy. By promoting collaboration in light industry and agriculture, both countries are diversifying their partnership. This political initiative also underscores BRICS’ broader ambition to foster self-reliance and mutual growth among member states, positioning Russia and India as key players in advancing intra-bloc industrial cooperation.

Economically, the textile agreement marks a strategic step toward expanding trade in raw materials, finished products, and manufacturing equipment between Moscow and New Delhi. Both sides agreed to facilitate greater participation of Indian manufacturers in Russia’s retail and e-commerce sectors, while encouraging Russian brands to engage in joint production and market expansion. The plan to support specialised trade fairs and exhibitions is designed to accelerate sectoral integration and business linkages. Complimenting this, agricultural trade between the two countries surged by over 60% last year, illustrating a broader trend of economic diversification and increased bilateral trade. Together, these developments strengthen Russia–India commercial ties and contribute to the evolving BRICS vision of sustainable, multipolar economic cooperation.

Indonesia & Malaysia

Indonesia and Malaysia have become important diplomatic partners. Indonesia highlighted shared positions with Malaysia, at regional and global forums, including ASEAN and the United Nations, demonstrating coordinated diplomatic engagement. Cooperation in areas such as health, education, and people-to-people exchanges underscores a broader commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering long-term stability in Southeast Asia. These political dimensions signal a deepening trust and alignment between the two nations, enhancing their influence in regional decision-making and multilateral initiatives.

Economically, Malaysia has emerged as a major investment partner for Indonesia, with bilateral trade reaching US$23 billion in 2024 and Malaysian investments totalling US$4.2 billion. Key sectors include infrastructure, finance, and tourism, with US$1.7 million. Malaysian visits to Indonesia recorded in the same period. This growing commercial relationship highlights Malaysia’s critical role in supporting Indonesia’s development agenda, while also facilitating cross-border economic integration. The collaboration underscores how strategic investments and trade expansion between neighbouring countries can reinforce economic growth, regional connectivity, and mutual prosperity.

An overarching response to epidemics

The political dimension of BRICS cooperation in global health, emphasises the bloc’s strategic commitment to multilateral solidarity and governance. At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders reaffirmed the importance of joint action against transboundary health threats, highlighting the interconnectedness of national and global security. Initiatives such as the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre, inaugurated in 2022, illustrate the bloc’s coordinated approach to pandemic preparedness, combining policy alignment with technological collaboration. Each member country’s political commitment; whether through universal health coverage in Brazil, genomic surveillance in South Africa, or digital health networks in Iran, demonstrates the integration of domestic policy priorities within a shared global health strategy.

BRICS countries are leveraging their industrial and technological capacities to strengthen economic and scientific cooperation in the health sector. China and India are investing in big data, telemedicine, and next-generation mRNA vaccine platforms, while Russia, Brazil, and South Africa contribute virology expertise and pharmaceutical production. India’s dominance in global vaccine manufacturing, producing 60% of the world’s vaccines, and China’s distribution of over 2.1 billion COVID-19 doses exemplify the bloc’s role as a critical supplier in global health markets. Collaborative exercises, such as Russia–Africa rapid response drills, further illustrate how BRICS combines public health preparedness with capacity-building, enhancing both regional resilience and the bloc’s position as a major actor in the global bioeconomy.

The collective initiatives of BRICS members illustrate a pragmatic approach to shaping global politics and trade while safeguarding national interests and promoting regional integration. The grouping facilitates independent agreements between partners and countries who may or may not collaborate in different organisations. BRICS does not position itself as anti-West, but understands the importance of multipolarity and inclusive development. 

By Cole Jackson, 

Lead Associate 

Chinese & South American Specialist 

BRICS+ Consulting Group

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