In this week’s round-up: Brazil’s blockchain plan for BRICS nations; India reportedly wants to block Pakistan’s investment in BRICS bank; Armenia expresses interest in becoming BRICS observer country; China and SA unite against US tariffs: A BRICS+ perspective; China, Russia, Iran agree to strengthen coordination in BRICS, SCO; Zimbabwe doing everything possible to join BRICS; Brazil hosts first BRICS meeting on the space sector; Foreign affairs minister defends Thailand’s move to join BRICS.
Zimbabwe doing everything possible to join BRICS
Zimbabwe is doing everything within its means to join BRICS, the African country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira said following a visit to Moscow.
Is Zimbabwe’s BRICS ambition a strategic move or pure political fantasy?
Zimbabwe’s bid to join BRICS raises serious questions about the country’s economic trajectory, governance record, and geopolitical positioning.
Brazil hosts first BRICS meeting on the space sector
The Brazilian Space Agency (Agência Espacial Brasileira /AEB) hosted the first meeting with BRICS space leaders, aiming to present the priorities and the agenda of Brasil’s BRICS Presidency in 2025 regarding space issues.
BRICS+ vs. G20: A new era of global influence
In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics and politics, two acronyms have been making significant waves: the G20 and BRICS+. These groups, representing major economies worldwide, are redefining international relations and economic strategies.
India reportedly wants to block Pakistan’s investment in BRICS bank
India is reportedly preparing to oppose Pakistan’s bid to acquire a 1.1% stake in the Shanghai-based New Development bank (NDB), Business Standard reported, citing sources. New Delhi is expected to raise its objections at the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting.
Foreign affairs minister defends Thailand’s move to join BRICS
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa defended the nation’s decision to join BRICS, stating it aligns with national interests and will benefit the economy and international cooperation.
Opinion: Did India distance itself from BRICS currency?
It is common to hear commentators and pundits claim that American diplomacy has always been transactional. One might reasonably ask, what else could it be, given that negotiation is a key element of diplomacy?
China and SA unite against US tariffs: A BRICS+ perspective
During the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) of China’s parliament in Beijing on 7 March this year, the country’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a statement declaring that China will take countermeasures in response to arbitrary pressure from the US imposing further trade tariffs.
Armenia expresses interest in becoming BRICS observer country
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in an interview with the Indian portal Wion stated the country’s desire to become an observer of the group.
Trade without dollars: Brazil’s blockchain plan for BRICS nations
Brazil has proposed a blockchain-based payment system for BRICS trade transactions, abandoning earlier plans for a common currency.
‘BRICS gains hinge on reform’
Zimbabwe should focus on enhancing competitiveness and implementing robust domestic policy reforms to capitalise on BRICS membership, analysts have said. Last week, the country officially submitted its application to join BRICS. Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive Chris Mugaga said a conducive policy environment is the key to attracting capital inflows.
US policy on BRICS: A temporary fix or a strategic reset?
Historically, Washington viewed BRICS as a fragmented bloc with limited geopolitical weight. However, the group’s recent expansion and efforts to challenge the US dollar’s dominance have drawn a sharp response from President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on BRICS nations if they pursue de-dollarisation. Is this hardline stance merely a short-term pressure tactic, or does it signal a deeper shift in US foreign policy? An analysis by Dr Mihaela Papa for the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
China, Russia, Iran agree to strengthen coordination in BRICS, SCO
China, Russia and Iran have agreed to boost coordination within international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Ethiopia taking part in BRICS agricultural working group meeting in Brazil
The BRICS Agricultural Working Group held its high-level technical meeting in Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil from March 12-14.
BRICS ‘not anti-Western’ but must unite against ‘external shocks’: Chinese think tank
The BRICS group should raise its strategic profile on the world stage, working together to tackle “external shocks” including Western sanctions against founding member Russia, according to a government-affiliated Chinese think tank.
