Introduction
The expansion of BRICS into BRICS+ marks a transformative shift in global geopolitics, bringing together nations that represent nearly 45% of the world's population and over 35% of global GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. As existing multilateral arrangements struggle with geopolitical polarization and institutional paralysis, BRICS possesses significant leverage to reshape multilateralism. The 'POWER' framework provides an actionable blueprint for the grouping to champion inclusive development and drive equitable global governance reforms.
Operationalising the 'POWER' Framework
The 'POWER' framework conceptualises a structured approach for BRICS to tackle contemporary structural deficiencies in the international order:
- Principle (P) – Championing Sovereign Equality: BRICS upholds the bedrock principles of the UN Charter, prioritising national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference. It advocates for democratising multilateral decision-making by strongly demanding comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms and opposing unilateral sanctions that circumvent international law.
- Openness (O) – Safeguarding Multilateral Trade: In an era of escalating tariff wars, weaponised trade, and protectionist supply chain decoupling, BRICS reinforces a non-discriminatory, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading architecture centred on the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Win-Win (W) – Inclusive Financing and De-Risking: The grouping fosters shared economic resilience through institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB), which delivers development finance without punitive policy conditionalities. Furthermore, facilitating cross-border settlements in local currencies mitigates foreign exchange volatility and reduces systemic reliance on single-currency regimes.
- Engine (E) – Driving Future-Ready Growth: Harnessing its vast demographic dividend, BRICS acts as an engine of sustainable innovation by scaling Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), accelerating clean energy transitions, and establishing ethical, equitable global frameworks for artificial intelligence governance.
- Responsibility (R) – Delivering Global Public Goods: By leveraging successive presidencies—such as India in 2026 and China in 2027—the bloc can direct international discourse toward securing vital Global South priorities, particularly concessional climate financing and equitable technology transfers.
Challenges to Overcome
To realise the potential of this framework, BRICS must navigate complex internal headwinds:
- Internal Divergences: Strategic rivalries and border disputes, notably between India and China, challenge cohesive collective action and unified policymaking.
- Non-Western vs. Anti-Western Posture: To maintain institutional legitimacy and broad-based credibility across the Global South, the grouping must remain committed to reforming global institutions (non-Western) rather than morphing into an adversarial ideological bloc (anti-Western).
Conclusion
By translating the POWER framework into tangible policy cooperation, BRICS can bridge the governance deficits of the current world order. Achieving this will require consolidating internal coherence, prioritising consensus-driven reforms, and championing the collective aspirations of the Global South for a more resilient and equitable multipolar future.