📋 Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay Analysis Guide

🌐 Topic: The Role of India in BRICS – Can It Lead the Global South?

🌟 Understanding the Topic’s Importance

BRICS symbolizes the shift from Western-centric global governance to multipolarity. India’s leadership could redefine Global South cooperation, addressing economic inequality and political marginalization.

📝 Effective Planning and Writing

• Time Allocation:
  • Planning: 5 minutes
  • Writing: 20 minutes
  • Review: 5 minutes

✍️ Introduction Techniques for Essays

• Contrast Approach: “While India leads in economic growth among BRICS nations, its limited infrastructure investment raises questions about its ability to lead the Global South.”
• Timeline Approach: “Since its inception in 2006, BRICS has evolved into a powerful economic bloc. India, as its fastest-growing member, holds the promise of driving its Global South agenda.”

📊 Structuring the Essay Body

✅ Achievements:

• India spearheaded initiatives like the BRICS Vaccine Research Center.
• Advocated for fairer global trade practices during the 2023 BRICS Summit.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Limited support for initiatives like the BRICS Reserve Currency.
• Persistent geopolitical issues with China.

🚀 Future Outlook:

• Increasing collaboration in renewable energy.
• Strengthening ties with African nations.

📈 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings

🌟 Successes:

• Economic Growth Leadership: India’s economy is the fastest-growing among BRICS nations, with a projected growth rate of 6.3% in 2024.
• Trade Expansion within BRICS: Bilateral trade with BRICS countries surpassed $160 billion in 2023.
• Diplomatic Advocacy for the Global South: India successfully highlighted Global South issues at the 2023 BRICS Summit.
• Technological Collaboration: Initiatives like the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center showcase leadership in health and innovation.

⚠️ Shortcomings:

• Geopolitical Rivalry with China: Persistent border disputes and strategic competition limit cohesion within BRICS.
• Infrastructure and Resource Constraints: India lags in infrastructure investment compared to China.
• Limited Influence in Key BRICS Projects: India’s voice in projects like the BRICS Reserve Currency remains less dominant.
• Internal Challenges: Rural-urban inequality and bureaucratic inefficiencies may impede leadership ambitions.

🔧 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

• Strengthening Economic Alliances:
  • Expand South-South trade agreements to enhance intra-BRICS commerce.
  • Promote the use of local currencies in bilateral trade to reduce dependency on the US dollar.
• Enhancing Infrastructure Investment:
  • Leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge infrastructure gaps.
  • Prioritize green and sustainable development to align with global climate goals.
• Fostering Diplomatic Unity in BRICS:
  • Mediate tensions with China to ensure cohesive decision-making.
  • Advocate for equitable representation and resource sharing in BRICS initiatives.
• Promoting Technology and Innovation:
  • Lead joint ventures in renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
  • Invest in AI, biotechnology, and space technology collaborations within BRICS.
• Empowering Smaller Global South Nations:
  • Use platforms like the New Development Bank to provide loans for sustainable projects in Africa and Latin America.
  • Support capacity-building programs to uplift less developed nations.
• Bolstering Internal Capabilities:
  • Address rural-urban disparities to enhance India’s credibility as an inclusive leader.
  • Streamline governance for faster and more efficient project implementation.

📄 Sample Short Essays

Balanced Perspective:

“India’s leadership in BRICS represents a pivotal moment for the Global South. While it leads in economic growth and innovation, geopolitical challenges, particularly with China, remain a hurdle to true leadership.”

Solution-Oriented:

“India must strengthen intra-BRICS trade and bridge its infrastructural gaps to establish itself as a reliable leader of the Global South.”

Global Comparison:

“India’s democratic governance and economic rise contrast starkly with China’s authoritarian approach, offering a new model for the Global South within BRICS.”