Washington/New Delhi: When US President Donald Trump slapped an extra 25% tariff on India over its buy of Russian oil, he warned that issues would unfold dramatically inside eight hours. He mentioned, “Anticipate eight hours and see what occurs.” Many anticipated extra tariffs or sanctions in opposition to India quickly after. However greater than 40 hours have handed, and Trump has remained silent.
Behind this sudden pause, a number of important developments happened. India’s Nationwide Safety Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a go to to China. Putin and Modi spoke on the telephone. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva additionally referred to as Modi.
All these occasions share one connection: Brazil, India, Russia and China are founding members of BRICS.
The query arises: did Trump retract his aggressive stance after BRICS confirmed unity?
Consultants imagine BRICS nations are getting ready a significant announcement, presumably a few new foreign money that would shake the US greenback’s world dominance. Contributing almost 35.6% to world GDP, BRICS appears to be uniting firmly in opposition to Trump’s tariff insurance policies.
How Are BRICS Standing United In opposition to US?
Although BRICS has expanded, many new members stay near China, with most sustaining pleasant ties with India, just like the UAE. South Africa stays a constant member.
Consultants say conversations amongst BRICS leaders have moved past formalities, together with prolonged talks between Modi and Putin. Brazil’s Lula and Modi mentioned boosting bilateral commerce to $20 billion by 2030. Modi’s upcoming go to to China after seven years alerts a thaw in relations and presumably a contemporary chapter. Even China’s state media, International Occasions, seems to melt its tone on India, defending it in opposition to Trump’s tariffs.
Trump overtly threatened a ten% tariff on any BRICS nation opposing U.S. pursuits. India referred to as the tariffs “unfair” and mentioned its ties with Russia are primarily based on belief, not exterior views.
Brazil’s Lula rejected direct talks with Trump and introduced utilizing BRICS chairmanship for a collective response. The important thing query stays: as BRICS grows stronger, has Trump stepped again or is he getting ready a brand new counterstrategy?
If BRICS publicizes a brand new foreign money, it should pose a severe problem to the USA. India has been the principle impediment to the BRICS foreign money plan thus far.
Can Cryptocurrency Counter BRICS?
As soon as a critic of cryptocurrencies, Trump now appears to be steering the USA towards turning into a crypto capital, presumably to counter the BRICS foreign money menace. The coordination amongst BRICS nations is deepening.
Lula plans to go to India subsequent yr. Modi’s name for a “people-centric partnership” for the International South instantly counters Trump’s insurance policies.
In the meantime, India’s rising ties with Russia and PM Modi’s participation within the upcoming SCO summit in China trace at shifting strategic priorities amid deteriorating US relations. Analyst Mario Navfal states, “The world’s largest democracy and South America’s largest participant (Brazil) at the moment are taking part in hardball with the USA.”
Trump, in nut shell, has been pressured to face the fact of BRICS closing ranks and difficult greenback supremacy. The International South, which as soon as faltered resulting from diverging agendas, is now united, signalling fast modifications within the world order.
Consultants predict that in coming months, BRICS will unveil new insurance policies and plans that can spotlight a transfer towards a multipolar world difficult American dominance.