THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 13 November 2019 (BRICS strategic partnership for global stability, shared security and innovative growth (The Hindu))

BRICS strategic partnership for global stability, shared security and innovative growth (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2 : International
Prelims level : BRICS group
Mains level : BRICS strategic partnership importance

Context

•  On November 13-14, 2019, Brasilia will host the 11th BRICS Summit.
•  The current Brazilian BRICS Chairmanship managed to achieve serious progress in all main pillars of cooperation — political, economic and humanitarian.
•  Russia supports its Brazilian friends in their efforts to improve the practical impact of our multifaceted interaction on the prosperity of our states and people.

Aligning to global changes

•  Today, alignment of efforts of our countries is particularly important.
•  Global politics continues to reel. Various regions of the planet still retain significant conflict potential.
•  The arms control architecture is deliberately undermined — the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a rather dangerous step. Structural imbalances in the world economy are yet to be overcome.
•  A serious threat to global economic growth is posed by such unfair competition practices as unilateral economic sanctions, trade wars and flagrant abuse of the U.S. dollar status as the world reserve currency.
•  The international community is yet to find effective responses to a whole number of critical challenges of our time — from terrorism to climate change.
•  Multipolarity is not a recipe for competition and chaos in international relations, as some of our critics say.
•  On the contrary, this is the only order attuned to present-day realities, which should promote the comprehensive development of all states — both big and small — and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation among us on the basis of shared interests.

Common goals

•  Russia, as other BRICS countries, rejects diktat and pressure, blackmail and threats, let alone the use of force without the UNSC’s decision.

•  It proposes to follow the path of a mutually respectful dialogue aimed to reach the consensus that takes into account the interests of all actors in inter-state relations.

•  Any agreements on most important issues on the global agenda should be reached with the widest and equal participation of all stakeholders and be based on universally recognised legal norms.

•  The BRICS countries are firmly committed to democratisation of international life and its development under the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

•  The principles of respect for cultural and civilisational diversity of the world, and the right of peoples to forge their destiny themselves.
  BRICS act like a Magnet

•  The group protects values of multilateralism, supports transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade, and rejects unilateral economic restrictions and protectionist measures in developing international economic ties.

•  The meeting on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka last June, the BRICS leaders explicitly indicated their willingness to protect the pillars of the equitable multilateral trading system and the role of the World Trade Organization as its centre, and to advocate International Monetary Fund reform.

•  The New Development Bank (NDB) created by the BRICS countries — one of the promising multilateral development institutions — works successfully.

•  Only this year, the NDB Board of Directors has approved 12 new investment projects in the BRICS countries. And since the start of its operation in 2015, 42 investment projects worth over $11 billion have been approved.

•  The work to strengthen the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is ongoing. Its total capital of $100 billion is to be a guarantor of the BRICS financial stability in case of crisis.

Russia’s turn next

•  In 2020, Russia will take the helm of BRICS. We intend to ensure continuity and harmonious transition from the Brazil chairmanship to the Russian one.
•  We will continue the policy of progressive and comprehensive enhancement of the strategic partnership of the BRICS countries.
•  We are interested in increasing financial and economic cooperation among the participating countries, effective industrial interaction and practical cooperation in developing and implementing new joint energy, telecommunications and high-tech projects.
•  Our priorities include enhanced foreign policy coordination within leading multilateral fora, primarily in the UN, which will turn 75 next year.
•  The BRICS ‘ship’ will steer a steady course and further contribute significantly to maintaining international stability and ensuring global economic growth.
•  The Brasilia Summit is aimed to be another important milestone in pentalateral cooperation and on its way to new prospects.

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Prelims Questions:

Q1. With reference to the Fifth India International Science Festival, consider the following statements:
1. The prime objective of the festival is to instill scientific temper among the masses, showcase India’s contribution in the field of S&T and encourage translation of its benefits to people.
2. Theme for this year is RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C
Mains Questions:
Q1. What will enable the BRICS countries to make the best use of ongoing global changes?