BRICS+ Emerges as Strategic Global Economic Bloc Challenging US Hegemony

Executive Summary

Following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th US president in January 2025, there has been an intensification of trade securitization, tariff wars, and erosion of the World Trade Organization (WTO) system. The US has exerted coercive pressure on countries like India and Brazil to forgo trade interests tied to national and energy security. In this context, BRICS+, a coalition of 11 emerging and developing economies representing 55% of the world’s population and 46% of global GDP, has gained strategic influence. Over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS+ as members or partners. The grouping is increasingly seen as a forum to rebalance the hegemonic global order, although it faces criticism from US officials labeling it as anti-West and anti-American. The article draws a parallel between BRICS+ strategy and the Greek hero Odysseus, emphasizing the importance of strategic timing (kairos), practical intelligence (metis), and goal orientation (telos). At a recent BRICS meeting, member states condemned US protectionist trade policies and tariff blackmail. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for fair, transparent, and inclusive international economic and trade practices, underscoring the need for international trade justice as a policy imperative. The article proposes a four-pronged reform agenda for BRICS+ to institutionalize procedural and distributive justice in global trade, aiming to become a norm-setter rather than a passive norm-taker in global politics.

Situation

The election of Donald Trump in 2025 marked a shift towards unilateral and protectionist trade policies by the US, including escalating tariffs and undermining multilateral institutions like the WTO. This has led to tensions with key emerging economies such as India and Brazil, which have been targeted with high tariffs. BRICS+ has responded by consolidating its influence and promoting a multipolar world order that challenges US dominance. The recent BRICS summit highlighted shared concerns over US trade policies, with leaders condemning protectionism and calling for a rules-based, fair, and transparent trading system that considers the special needs of developing countries. India’s External Affairs Minister emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and equitable trade practices. Despite internal differences among BRICS+ members, there is a strategic push to reform the grouping to institutionalize international trade justice and build resilient supply chains. The article suggests that BRICS+ adopt a strategic approach modeled on Odysseus’ intelligence and timing to achieve its goals, including a proposed four-pronged reform agenda focusing on procedural justice, distributive justice, and norm-setting in global trade governance.

International Impact

The rise of BRICS+ as a significant economic bloc challenges the existing US-led global trade order, signaling a shift towards a more multipolar world. This has caused unease among traditional Western powers, who have labeled BRICS+ as anti-American. The grouping's push for trade justice and reform of international economic institutions could reshape global trade norms and reduce US unilateral influence. Leaders like India’s S. Jaishankar have called for inclusive and equitable trade practices, reflecting a broader demand from developing countries for fair treatment. The growing interest in BRICS+ membership from over 30 countries underscores its expanding global impact. This shift could lead to new trade alliances and a rebalancing of global economic power, affecting international relations and economic policies worldwide.

Decision Maker Perspectives

India (External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar): Advocates for a fair, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based international trading system with special provisions for developing countries; supports BRICS+ as a platform for economic cooperation and trade justice.

United States (Trump Administration): Pursues protectionist trade policies, escalating tariffs, and trade securitization; exerts pressure on countries like India and Brazil to align with US trade interests; views BRICS+ as a challenge to US hegemony.

BRICS+ Member States: Seek to institutionalize international trade justice, resist unilateral US trade measures, and promote a multipolar global economic order; aim to reform global trade governance to better represent developing economies.

Source Perspectives

Asia Times: Provides an analytical and strategic perspective on BRICS+ as a rising global economic bloc challenging US dominance and promoting trade justice.

BBC News: Reports on the human interest story of Harjit Kaur's deportation, highlighting immigration enforcement and community reactions in the US and India.

Deportation of 73-year-old Indian Grandmother Harjit Kaur from the US

Executive Summary

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother who lived in the United States for over 30 years, was deported to India on 22 September 2025 after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She had moved to California in 1991 with her two sons to escape political turmoil in Punjab and had made several unsuccessful asylum applications. Despite lacking a criminal record and having worked legally in the US for two decades, she was arrested during a routine immigration check-in in San Francisco on 8 September 2025. Her detention and deportation sparked shock and protests within the Sikh community. Her lawyer alleged mistreatment during detention, including being forced to sleep on the floor despite medical conditions and being denied appropriate food. ICE stated that she had exhausted all legal appeals since an immigration judge ordered her removal in 2005. Harjit Kaur expressed distress over her sudden detention and deportation after living in the US for so long. This case highlights the broader context of the US immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has targeted many asylum seekers and immigrants, including those without criminal records.

Situation

Harjit Kaur’s deportation follows a long legal process in which her asylum claims were rejected and appeals exhausted. Despite this, she continued to live and work in the US, reporting regularly to immigration authorities as required. Her arrest during a routine check-in was sudden and led to community outrage, especially within the Sikh population in California. Her lawyer publicly criticized ICE for what he described as inhumane treatment during her detention, citing her age, health issues, and the conditions of confinement. ICE defended its actions by emphasizing that she had exhausted all legal remedies and that enforcement of immigration laws was necessary. This incident has occurred amid a wider US immigration enforcement campaign focused on deporting individuals who have overstayed or whose asylum claims have been denied, under the Trump administration’s policies. It has raised questions about the treatment of elderly immigrants and the humanitarian considerations in immigration enforcement.

International Impact

The deportation of Harjit Kaur has drawn international attention, particularly in India and among the global Sikh diaspora, highlighting concerns about US immigration policies and their human impact. It has sparked protests and criticism from community leaders and human rights advocates who view the enforcement as harsh and lacking compassion. The case underscores tensions between US immigration enforcement priorities and immigrant communities’ calls for humane treatment. It may affect diplomatic sensitivities between the US and India, especially given the large Indian diaspora in the US. The incident contributes to the broader discourse on immigration reform and the balance between legal enforcement and humanitarian considerations in international migration policies.

Decision Maker Perspectives

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Enforces US immigration laws by deporting individuals who have exhausted legal appeals; views Harjit Kaur’s removal as lawful and necessary to uphold immigration rules.

Harjit Kaur and Supporters: Express distress and opposition to the deportation, highlighting her long residence, lack of criminal record, and alleged mistreatment during detention.

Sikh Community and Human Rights Advocates: Criticize the deportation and treatment as unjust and inhumane, calling for more compassionate immigration policies and protections for vulnerable individuals.

Source Perspectives

BBC News: Reports factually on the deportation event, including background, legal context, and community reactions, maintaining a neutral tone.