# BRICS Emerges as Key Voice for Global South, Representing 50% Population and 45% of Global GDP

> Former diplomats highlight that BRICS now represents nearly half the world population and 45 percent of global GDP, offering a cooperative platform for Global South nations without taking an anti-Western stance.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-09-16 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/brics-emerges-as-key-voice-for-global-south-representing-50-population-and-45-of-global-gdp-32639 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** BRICS, Global South, Narendra Modi, Foreign Policy, ICWA, African Union

The influence of the BRICS grouping continues to expand significantly within the changing landscape of international diplomacy. According to former diplomat Sudhir T. Devare, the summit has provided a crucial platform for nations of the Global South that historically lacked an avenue to voice their perspectives on the world stage. The grouping now accounts for approximately 50 percent of the global population and 45 percent of global GDP, underlining its growing strategic importance.

## A Expanding Platform for the Global South
The footprint of BRICS is no longer confined to its founding members. Beyond the original five nations, the grouping has recently added 5 to 6 new member countries. Furthermore, numerous other nations are actively seeking to join as full members or partner states.

The vast majority of these joining and interested countries belong to the Global South. Apart from major powers such as China and Russia and a few developed nations, the collective predominantly consists of developing countries. Consequently, BRICS functions as a compact yet highly effective and articulate grouping within the broader non-aligned framework.

## Focusing on Shared Interests Without Anti-Western Sentiment
BRICS operates not as an adversarial bloc, but as a constructive forum dedicated to advancing shared interests. Sudhir T. Devare emphasized that the platform is not anti-Western or directed against any power. Instead, its core focus is to articulate the developmental priorities, challenges, and economic goals of its members.

A defining outcome of recent summits has been the absence of conflict or confrontation. The deliberations remained focused on peace, constructive dialogue, and consensus building. This cooperative approach positions BRICS as a durable institution capable of championing member interests in a balanced manner over the coming years.

## The Role of ICWA in Shaping Diplomatic Priorities
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) has played a central role in supporting India's foreign policy framework. Devare noted that ICWA serves as a national platform bringing together academic bodies, universities, diplomats, and independent thinkers to contribute fresh perspectives on international developments.

As global dynamics evolve, India faces new challenges and strategic priorities. ICWA helps bridge academic research and diplomatic practice by fostering open debates and structured discussions, thereby continually updating and strengthening the nation's foreign policy discourse.

## Strategic High-Level Engagement with African Leaders
The summit also facilitated high-level diplomacy between India and African nations. Mahesh Sachdev, former High Commissioner of India to Nigeria and former Ambassador to Algeria and Norway (IFS, Retd.), highlighted the active participation of African head of states.

Sachdev pointed out that leaders from four African countries attended and held direct bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Three of these nations Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa are already full BRICS members. The fourth nation, Burundi, was represented by its President in his capacity as the Chairman of the African Union. These interactions reinforce the growing economic and diplomatic synergy between India and the African continent.

## What this means for you
The expanding footprint of BRICS and Global South representation directly influences global trade agreements, supply chains, and multilateral policymaking.

- **Across India:** Strengthened diplomatic alliances allow India to protect its trade interests and secure economic opportunities across developing markets in Africa and Latin America.
- **Globally:** Representing 50 percent of global population and 45 percent of global GDP, this grouping gives developing nations a stronger collective voice in climate, trade, and economic governance.
- **Diplomatic Cooperation:** Engagement with African Union leaders opens up strategic avenues for Indian businesses in infrastructure, energy, and technology export.
- **Trade Resilience:** A balanced multilateral platform reduces single-region reliance and enhances stability in international commodity and financial arrangements.

## Why this happened
BRICS is expanding due to the demand from developing nations for balanced global governance and platforms that represent Global South interests without political alignment.

- **Lack of Global South Voice:** Traditional international institutions have often marginalized developing nations, driving the demand for inclusive diplomatic forums.
- **Economic Weight:** Controlling 45 percent of global GDP and half the global population gives the group substantial leverage in shaping trade and investment norms.
- **Non-Confrontational Cooperation:** Member states seek a platform focused on mutual economic benefits and peaceful dialogue rather than joining geopolitical blocs.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What portion of global population and GDP does BRICS represent?
BRICS accounts for approximately 50 percent of the world's population and 45 percent of global GDP.

### 2. Is BRICS considered an anti-Western alliance?
No, diplomats affirm that BRICS is not anti-Western. It serves as a cooperative platform focused purely on the developmental and economic interests of its members.

### 3. How many new countries have recently joined BRICS?
In addition to its five original members, 5 to 6 new countries have recently joined, with several others seeking partner or member status.

### 4. Which African leaders met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit?
Leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Burundi (attending as Chair of the African Union) held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

### 5. What is the role of ICWA in India's foreign policy?
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) is a national institution that brings together academia, researchers, and diplomats to shape India's foreign policy priorities.

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