Daily Editorial Analysis 10 October 2026

BRICS in a Fragmented World Order, A Test of Relevance

Context

• The 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, demonstrated the grouping’s ability to reconcile divergent interests through the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
• Under India’s chairmanship, the summit reinforced strategic autonomy, multipolarity and consensus-building.
• However, institutional weaknesses, geopolitical rivalries and economic inequalities continue to limit BRICS’ effectiveness.

The New Delhi Declaration: Major Achievements

• The declaration addressed global governance, trade, finance, energy, climate change, technology, health and agriculture. Its major objectives included:
  • Promoting local-currency trade and interoperable cross-border payment systems.
  • Implementing the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030 and the Global Value Chain Action Plan for 2026–2030.
  • Reforming the United Nations and international financial institutions to improve developing countries’ representation.
  • Supporting de-escalation in West Asia and humanitarian access to Gaza.
  • Strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, food security and sustainable development.
• The declaration also defended the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its rules-based trading system.
• Nevertheless, the success of these initiatives depends on translating commitments into practical outcomes.

The Message and the Approach

• Reforming Global Governance

  • Existing international institutions inadequately reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
  • India advocated reforms to the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to provide emerging and developing economies with greater representation.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS leaders to develop ten proposals for global governance reform.
  • The emphasis on multi-polarity reflected the demand for a more inclusive international order.
  • However, meaningful reform requires sustained negotiations and political commitment.

• Strategic Autonomy and Diplomatic Engagement

  • India’s approach reflected strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, allowing cooperation with competing powers without excessive dependence on any single country.
  • The participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the UAE and Iran demonstrated BRICS’ potential to facilitate dialogue.
  • However, diplomatic cordiality does not necessarily resolve underlying disputes.
  • Sustained cooperation requires members to manage differences while pursuing common interests.

• Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development

  • The declaration recognised artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of economic growth, improved public services and sustainable development.
  • It encouraged cooperation in computing resources, research, skills and innovation.
  • Collaboration in technology, healthcare, energy and agriculture could help developing countries address shared challenges and reduce technological inequalities.

What a More Sober Assessment Shows

• The Limits of Multilateral Cooperation

  • Since the first BRIC summit in 2009, major demands for reforming the IMF, World Bank and United Nations have remained substantially unfulfilled.
  • BRICS has also failed to achieve sufficient economic integration to challenge the dominance of the Bretton Woods institutions effectively.
  • This reveals a persistent gap between declared ambitions and practical achievements.
  • Consensus has limited value without implementation, institutional capacity and measurable results.

• From Multilateralism to Pragmatic Coalitions

  • The contemporary world increasingly favours ad hoc cooperation and interest-based partnerships over permanent alliances.
  • BRICS members differ in political systems, economic priorities and strategic objectives.
  • Consequently, the grouping is better understood as a flexible platform for consultation and selective cooperation than as a unified geopolitical bloc.

The China Factor

• Growing Economic Asymmetry

  • China’s economic and political influence has expanded considerably relative to other BRICS members, creating an imbalance of power within the grouping.
  • Such dominance risks reproducing the concentration of power that BRICS seeks to challenge internationally.
  • China’s growing influence also complicates its claim to represent the diverse interests of the Global South.

• India–China Strategic Rivalry

  • Relations between India and China remain uneasy despite diplomatic efforts following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
  • Strategic mistrust between two leading BRICS members constrains collective decision-making.
  • India must ensure that BRICS remains a platform for cooperation rather than an instrument of disproportionate influence by any single member.

Implications for India

• The summit enhanced India’s diplomatic visibility and demonstrated its ability to facilitate dialogue.
• Nevertheless, BRICS membership does not automatically guarantee economic benefits or political leverage.
• India should pursue a balanced foreign policy, combining engagement with BRICS, cooperation with Western economies and partnerships across the developing world.
• Its influence will ultimately depend on domestic economic strength, diplomatic credibility and effective international coalitions.

The Way Forward

• Institutional reform: Advance realistic proposals for more representative global governance.
• Economic integration: Strengthen local-currency trade, payment systems, investment and value chains.
• Conflict management: Develop consultation mechanisms to prevent bilateral disputes from obstructing cooperation.
• South-South cooperation: Deliver measurable benefits through healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and technology.
• Strategic autonomy: Enable India to pursue national interests through diversified international partnerships.

Conclusion

• The New Delhi Summit reaffirmed the demand for a more inclusive and multipolar international order while strengthening India’s diplomatic profile.
• However, institutional weaknesses, limited economic integration, geopolitical rivalries and China’s growing dominance continue to constrain BRICS.
• Its future relevance depends on converting consensus into concrete outcomes. India should engage actively with BRICS while preserving strategic autonomy and diversified partnerships.
• The true measure of BRICS’ success lies in practical cooperation and meaningful global reforms, not merely unanimous declarations.

BRICS in a Fragmented World Order, A Test of Relevance FAQs

Q1. What was the major achievement of the 18th BRICS Summit?

Ans. The summit unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration.

Q2. What is the main objective of BRICS’ global governance reforms?

Ans. BRICS seeks greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.

Q3. What is the major challenge facing BRICS?

Ans. BRICS faces geopolitical rivalries, limited economic integration and internal power imbalances.

Q4. How does China affect BRICS’ unity?

Ans. China’s economic dominance and rivalry with India complicate collective decision-making.

Q5. What should India’s approach towards BRICS be?

Ans. India should engage with BRICS while preserving strategic autonomy and diversified international partnerships.

Source: The Hindu

India’s ‘WorldSkills’ Medals Reflect Patient Investment

Context

• The Bhagavad Gita (Verse 18.46) teaches that a person attains perfection by performing their work with dedication and devotion.
• This principle emphasises the dignity of labour and recognises craftsmanship as a virtue.
• India’s performance at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026 reflects the growing potential of its skilled workforce.
• Securing 10th position globally with 26 medals, including six silver medals, India demonstrated that vocational skills are essential for economic productivity and national development.

Skilled Talent on the World Stage

• The WorldSkills Competition, held every two years, is considered the Olympics of vocational skills.
• It brings together over 1,400 participants from approximately 70 countries to demonstrate expertise in welding, robotics, cybersecurity, industrial design and other trades.
• India’s performance has improved significantly, rising from 39th position in 2011 to 19th in 2017 and 13th in 2019 and 2024.
• In Shanghai, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning six silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence. Its 70-member team competed across 63 skills.
• Mohammed Salam won silver in dental prosthetics, Kovid Gangrade in digital interactive media design, and Saniya Joshi in retail sales.
• Smriti Nambiar, Parth Vohra and Mehrunissa Begum also secured silver medals in bakery, industrial design technology, and logistics and freight forwarding, respectively.
• These achievements challenge the traditional preference for academic qualifications over vocational careers.
• Skill-based professions deserve recognition equal to academic achievements, as economic development requires both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

Humble Beginnings to Excellence

• India’s medal winners demonstrate how talent can flourish through determination and appropriate opportunities.
• Kaif Khan from Lucknow developed his car-painting skills while working in a private automobile workshop after Class 10.
• Following success in IndiaSkills competitions, he received industry training and international exposure before earning a Medallion for Excellence in Shanghai.
• Mohammed Salam from Tamil Nadu won silver in dental prosthetics, a discipline requiring exceptional precision.
• Other Indian participants received recognition in automobile technology, additive manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and robot systems integration.
• These achievements demonstrate that talent exists across diverse social and geographical backgrounds, but access to quality training remains crucial.
• Identifying promising candidates, providing practical instruction and offering industry exposure can transform local talent into internationally competitive professionals.

From Capex and Opex to Skill-Ex

• Economic development traditionally emphasises capital expenditure (Capex), which creates infrastructure, and operational expenditure (Opex), which maintains it.
• However, factories, machinery and infrastructure cannot deliver their full potential without trained workers.
• Skill-Ex, or deliberate investment in human skills, must therefore become the third pillar of development.
• It improves productivity, strengthens industrial competitiveness and enables workers to operate advanced technologies effectively.
• The PM-SETU scheme, or Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs, reflects this approach.
• With an allocation of ₹60,000 crores, it aims to upgrade 1,000 government Industrial Training Institutes into 200 hubs and 800 spokes, with industry partners managing the clusters.
• Its success will depend on modern equipment, qualified instructors, updated curricula and measurable employment outcomes.

There Must Be a Focus on ‘Skill-Ex’

• Government initiatives alone cannot establish a sustainable skilling ecosystem.
• Industry participation is essential because employers understand evolving technological requirements and workplace needs.
• Businesses should invest in workforce training as seriously as they invest in machinery and infrastructure.
• Industry-linked apprenticeships, practical training, recognised certifications and continuous reskilling can reduce the gap between educational qualifications and employment requirements.
• India must also address the social stigma surrounding vocational occupations, uneven training quality and limited career progression.
• Skilled workers need fair wages, safe working conditions and opportunities for advancement.
• The dignity of labour must translate into practical recognition, rather than remaining a symbolic ideal.

Conclusion

• India’s WorldSkills 2026 performance demonstrates the potential of its young workforce when talent receives systematic training and institutional support.
• The priority now is to convert competitive achievements into large-scale employability, higher productivity and inclusive growth.
• Strengthening vocational institutions, expanding industry partnerships and investing in Skill-Ex can prepare India’s workforce for technological transformation.
• Ultimately, national progress depends not only on policymakers and infrastructure developers but also on those who weld, bake, paint, repair and manufacture with precision.
• As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, dedicated work is a source of excellence and service to society.

India’s ‘WorldSkills’ Medals Reflect Patient Investment FAQs

Q1. What position did India secure at WorldSkills 2026?

Ans. India secured 10th position with 26 medals.

Q2. What does Skill-Ex mean?

Ans. Skill-Ex means deliberate investment in human skills.

Q3. What is the objective of the PM-SETU scheme?

Ans. The PM-SETU scheme aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs.

Q4. Why is industry participation important in skill development?

Ans. Industry participation aligns vocational training with workplace requirements.

Q5. How can India become a global skilling leader?

Ans. India can become a global skilling leader by improving vocational education, industry partnerships and workforce training.

Source: The Hindu

‹ ›