USA
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Malaysia Says BRICS Chair Russia Backs Its Bid to Join Bloc

• Russia’s top envoy made assurances to Prime Minister Anwar
• Southeast Asian nation already submitted application

Malaysia’s foreign ministry said Russia will back the Southeast Asian country’s application to join the BRICS economic bloc as Moscow looks to expand its influence into the Global South.

Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Segey Lavrov made the assurance to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his two-day visit to Malaysia that ended Saturday, Malaysia’s foreign ministry said in a statement. Anwar separately said the country had already submitted an application to join the bloc, which Russia chairs.

“This potential membership holds substantial promise for both nations and underscores our commitment to fostering robust international collaboration,” said Anwar in a Facebook post on Sunday. He first disclosed his interest in joining BRICS last month, ahead of a visit by China Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia.

A BRICS membership offers nations access to financing while also providing a political venue independent of Washington’s influence. Anwar, who has been critical of the US stance in the Israel-Hamas war, said Malaysia and Russia were on the same page in calling for a permanent cease-fire in the Middle East, immediate humanitarian relief, and recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

Thailand — a US treaty ally — in May announced its own bid to join BRICS, named after members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. For Russia and China, the interest in BRICS shows their success at pushing back at attempts by the US and its allies to isolate them more broadly over the war in Ukraine and military threats to Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

Russia ranked as Malaysia’s eighth largest trading partner among European countries in 2023. Total bilateral trade increased by 15.6% to $3.1 billion, compared with $2.79 billion in 2022, according to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.

“We also explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening ties in key areas such as investment and trade, science and technology, agriculture, defense and military, education, and tourism and culture,” Anwar said of his meeting with Lavrov.

Russia
Source: valdaiclub.com

By connecting different developing regions around the world, BRICS can really present itself as an alternative rule-maker in global governance, based on UN rules, Nabi Sonboli writes.
The West, led by the US, has been the main global rule-maker for decades. However, the “Rest” have not been satisfied with the global rules made by the West. In order to address how we must develop an alternative world order, we need to understand the shortcomings of the one which currently exists. The main problems with the present international order are not with its values or institutions, but with how they are practiced and managed. What the US calls a rules-based international order, in practice, has mostly been an order based on US rules and interests, not based on the UN or global rules.

From a strategic point of view, the US+ (by plus I mean the West in general and G7 in particular) have divided Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. After the Cold War, the US and its partners tried to engage Russia economically and in the energy sector in order to stabilise global energy markets; however, they excluded Moscow from European security mechanisms. Russian exclusion and the undermining of its security led to the Ukraine conflict. In the Middle East, they excluded Iran for more than four decades from any mechanism and targeted Tehran using economic, political, and, indirectly, military means. US allies in the Middle East also tried to impose their security costs on the US by engaging Washington in regional and domestic conflicts; consequently, they destabilised the whole region.

In East Asia, they are doing the same with China. The US benefits from the Chinese market and engages with China economically; however, in order to benefit from China’s rising military power, they need to compete with Beijing. That’s why, when it comes to security, China is defined as a “threat”. Emphasising this Chinese threat helps the US limit Beijing’s economic power and influence. There are others who benefit from this approach, too.

Construing Russia, Iran and China as threats helps the US battle its own budget at home, control allies abroad, and undermine rivals.

By fabricating “enemies and rivals”, it’s much easier to pass more than 800-billion-dollar military budgets at home every year and convince the people that “we are defending the country” against “enemies” (who in fact do not exist).

By outlining “enemies” in regional or global contexts, the US tries to control and influence its allies and partners. Without such an approach, US allies in Europe, the Middle East and East Asia would be much more interested in pursuing strategic autonomy and independent foreign policies. Manipulating allies and partners helps the US undermine its rivals (Russia, Iran and China). By concentrating on “threats”, the US rivals will not be able to utilise opportunities and realise their economic and strategic potential.

Geographically, the US has been far removed from regional and global wars and conflicts. For the US establishment, war is a business by other means. More than 2.5 million people work for MICs in different US states, and approximately the same number of people work in military-related businesses in countries, which are US allies and partners.

For that reason, supporting the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and other regions are a component of domestic politics and the war business. Those who benefit from conflicts and instability are not interested in ending them, and it was partly the business aspect of conflicts that prolonged them in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, the Korean peninsula...

That’s why the US has been engaged in wars around the world more than any other country, because the costs are paid by others. Consequently, North America benefits from peace and prosperity and other parts of the world are engaged in regional and domestic conflicts.

Politically, double standards are the most important shortcoming. The Unites States preaches about the rules-based international order, but when we look at the US and its allies’ behaviour in Ukraine and the greater Middle East (Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Palestine etc.), we see that they do not practice what they preach. Violations of human rights, international and humanitarian laws; occupation, invasion, the development of nuclear weapons and even committing genocide are all allowed if it is done by the US and/or its allies and partners.

Reliance on destructive power and burden-sharing is another shortcoming of the current international order. During the past three decades, the US has not tried enough to engage others (sometimes even its allies) in making important decisions regarding wars and conflicts. The US makes small coalitions and launches war by using its destructive power first and then Washington tries to organise an international conference for “peace-building” and “burden-sharing”; and whenever others are not ready to cooperate, and/or the conflicts are too costly, the US leaves the conflicts for others to suffer. Afghanistan was the latest case, and it imposed huge costs on the region, especially on Iran.

The last, but not least, problem the US rules-based order is the weaponisation of finance and business as a new tool; it has left many countries, and even Western companies, dissatisfied. Since direct conflicts have become too expensive and Western societies are not interested in paying, the US and its allies have turned more and more to economic and financial sanctions to impose their positions and undermine those who “are not with them”.

These are some of the shortcomings of current world order – in fact disorder – that has made many countries, companies and societies dissatisfied and interested in looking for alternatives at regional and global levels.

The alternative order needs to be globally acceptable and respectable. Such an order should be based more on the UN and global values and interests, including non-intervention, respect for international and humanitarian law and human rights; multi-polarity; indivisible security; peaceful development; peaceful coexistence; opposition to unilateral coercive measures; cultural diversity, etc. These values, supported by BRICS member states, are more global and inclusive. However, having common values is not enough. Words should have weight. Are the BRICS member states strong enough to push forward an alternative order based on the UN and global values? Yes.

Militarily, almost all BRICS member states are able to defend themselves. There are three nuclear powers among each grouping (the US, UK and France in the G7 and Russia, China and India in BRICS). Although the G7 members may have access to more advanced technologies, these have not helped them win most of the important wars since the Vietnam War. The US failed in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Israel, with all the advanced weapons provided by the US, has not been able to win a war against a small group in Palestine; and NATO’s provision of advanced technologies for Ukraine has not helped the county achieve decisive victories on the battlefield.

In purchasing power parity terms, the BRICS+ GDP has surpassed that of the G7: in 2023, BRICS’ share of global GDP was 32%, while that of the G7 was 29%. Based on IMF statistics, in 2024 emerging markets and developing economies’ (mostly look for reform in global governance) share of global GDP will be 59%, while the developed economies’ share will be 40%. BRICS in total have bigger markets, more natural resource and mostly enjoy younger, educated populations and a greater economic growth rate than advanced, developed countries.

Geographically, BRICS+ is more global and more inclusive than G7. Aside from Japan, the G7 members are all Western countries, while BRICS range from China in the Far East to Brazil in South America and from Russia in the north to South Africa; recently, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the centre joined the group. BRICS+ has the capacity to create a global network that is very important in making global rules. However, to play as an alternative rule maker engaged in global governance, there are some shortcomings that BRICS+ need to find a solution to. Some of them include:
Financial mechanisms: The US/EU sanctions are effective, I think, mostly because of the effectiveness of existing financial institutions, which force companies and countries alike to comply and sometimes over-comply with them. BRICS needs to develop its own financial and legal mechanism to be able to defend member states, their companies and other companies that work in/with BRICS member states against the extraterritorial laws and regulations of the US/EU.

Synergy: The level of cooperation and coordination among BRICS member states, in comparison with G7, are not sufficient yet. As long as BRICS member states observe US/EU unilateral/multilateral coercive measures against other countries, willingly or not, they strengthen the current US-dominated international order and the Rest will not regard it as an alternative.

Connectivity: Connectivity is the third important component of an alternative competitive global governance system. Corridors play a key role in this regard; especially developing corridors in the regions that the US has less control over, like the Silk Road and the North-South Corridor connecting India as well as the Arab and African countries to Central Asia, the Caucasus and Russia through Iran.

Comprehensive/indivisible security: Security cannot be limited to the military and intelligence. Economic, social and cyber security are also very important; BRICS needs to concentrate and invest more on economic and social development in West Asia, Central Asia, Africa and South America. By connecting different developing regions around the world, BRICS can really present itself as an alternative rule-maker in global governance, based on UN rules.

Russia
Source: en.interaffairs.ru

The global geopolitical scene is experiencing a new strategic movement with the official entry of Ethiopia into the BRICS group (pic.). This accession, effective recently, marks a turning point in the dynamics of international relations, particularly between emerging and developing countries, writes ‘La Nouvelle Tribune’ from Benin.
The BRICS club, initially made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded to welcome new members, including Ethiopia. This expansion demonstrates the growing appeal of this alliance for nations seeking to diversify their economic and diplomatic partnerships. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran also joined the ranks, while Argentina, initially approached, ultimately declined the invitation following a change of political course.
In this context of reconfiguring alliances, Ethiopia stands out for its enthusiasm to strengthen its ties with Russia. Like a young shoot seeking to take root in fertile soil, Addis Ababa sees Moscow as a partner of choice to stimulate its growth within the BRICS.
The President of the Federation Council of the Ethiopian Parliament, Agegnehu Teshager underlined his country's desire to actively develop economic relations within the group, with particular interest in strengthening the BRICS bank. This financial institution could become fertile ground for increased economic cooperation between members.
Ethiopia does not just want to benefit from this new alliance; she seeks to make her contribution. The Blue Nile country sees in BRICS a potential for transforming global economic relations. This vision is part of a broader criticism of traditional international financial institutions, perceived by certain African countries as instruments of Western oppression.
Ethiopia’s gratitude to Russia is palpable. Teshager recalled Moscow's crucial support for his country's BRICS membership, highlighting a history of cooperation that extends well beyond this recent event. This mutual recognition could be the catalyst for even closer collaboration in the future.
Ethiopian enthusiasm is not limited to political circles. Teshager spoke of the joy of Ethiopia's youth and people over the re-election of Russian President Vladimir Putin, illustrating a sympathy that goes beyond formal diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, Ethiopia's accession to BRICS and its stated desire to strengthen its ties with Russia mark a significant step in the evolution of international relations. This rapprochement could not only redefine Africa's place on the world stage, but also influence the very nature of the BRICS. As the group expands, it remains to be seen how it will reconcile the diverse interests of its members while maintaining its cohesion and influence on the international stage.

Russia
Source: www.cbr.ru

The third regular meeting of the BRICS deputy finance ministers and central bank governors was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 23 July. The BRICS countries’ report on improvement of the global monetary and financial system was the central theme of the joint session. The report proposes practical solutions for payments, settlements and clearing, and insurance.
The countries’ representatives also exchanged their opinions on the draft joint communiqué of the finance ministers and central bank governors to be adopted in October.
The Bank of Russia informed its partners about the progress in the priority areas of the central banks’ cooperation in 2024 and the events planned for the near future. In particular, the first cross-border cyber trainings of the central banks will take place in August—September, and the fifth economic bulletin — BRICS Economies in a High Interest Rate Environment — is scheduled to be published in October—November. High-level events will discuss the use of artificial intelligence in the financial market and social aspects of sustainable development. The Bank of Russia noted that the central banks of the new BRICS member states were fully involved in the financial track.
The next meeting of the BRICS deputy finance ministers and central bank governors will be held in Moscow in October.

India
Source: www.mea.gov.in

Kallol: This is Kallol from the Hindu. My question is in view of the developments where reportedly around 50 people have died in police shooting, what is the Indian advice to the Government of Bangladesh? Should they go for dialogue at this moment? Or do you think the dialogue was delayed, which might have led to this escalation?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So first, let me address the question on Bangladesh. As you are aware, there is an unrest. There are protests which are happening there. We have around 8,500 students and somewhere around 15,000 Indian nationals resident in the country. We have issued a travel advisory for people to be in touch with the High Commission and for us to render any assistance that they may need. External Affairs Minister is himself monitoring the situation. The High Commission will be giving regular updates on the situation there. We will also be giving regular updates. And we urge all family members of Indian nationals who reside in Bangladesh to be in touch, follow us for regular updates. We remain committed to provide all possible assistance to our nationals.

There was a related question from Gautamji. On that, I would like to convey that we see this as an internal matter of Bangladesh. Kallol, that was also my answer to you.

Yeshi, regarding your question, all our Indian nationals are safe there. And we have a large student community, as I told you 8,500 students are there about. Many of them pursue medical education also in that country. So they're all safe and sound. And we are in touch. They are in touch with our High Commission, with our Assistant High Commission as well. And we are regularly keeping in touch with them to render all assistance, any assistance that they may need.

Pranay aapke sawal par, humko gyat hain ki wahan par jo protest chal rahain hain uske liye sarkar ne kuch kadam uthaye hain. Lekin wahan par jo suvidhaye hain, batchit ki, telecommunication ki, woh sab thik chal raha hain aur us madhyam se hum apne logon se jude hue hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, in response to your question, we are aware that the government has taken some measures regarding the ongoing protests there. However, the facilities there, of communication, of telecommunication, are functioning properly, and through those means, we are in touch with our people.

Ayushi, regarding your question about EAM's conversation with Foreign Minister of Ukraine, this afternoon, External Affairs Minister spoke to the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. As far as the question about, Yeshi, you had a question, related question on Ukraine. You see, we have several engagements with Ukraine. We have bilateral mechanisms, we have institutional mechanisms. We keep on talking to each other, various matters, and that is where it is.
Ayushi, regarding your question, Prime Minister had gone to Russia to attend the Annual Summit, the 22nd Annual Summit between India and Russia. During the occasion, he made it very clear that the solution to any war does not lie in the battlefield. He also made it clear what he thinks about violence and children, innocent people being impacted in violence, people in general being impacted in violence. So, all these issues were made very clear in his press statements. When he spoke to the media, he spoke to the public at large. Can we go forward to more questions?

Sidhant: Hi Sir, Sidhant from WION. There are reports that the BRICS countries plan to trade using cryptocurrencies. If you can comment on that.

And my second question is on the remarks made by the US Ambassador, Garcetti, last week. He made remarks like there is no place for strategic autonomy and no war is foreign. These were directed looking like at India in a week where Prime Minister was in Moscow. So, if you can comment on his remarks.

Huma Siddiqui: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. Related to BRICS, Iran has recently announced that it is ready to sell oil and gas to the BRICS members. So, is India looking at that possibility of restarting import of oil from Iran?

Ileana: Good afternoon. Ileana, TASS News Agency. My first question also relates to BRICS. I would like to ask about the idea of creation Parliamentary Institutional Organization like the parliament in the frame of BRICS. So, what is India's position on such an idea and what is the possibility and what do you think, what role it may play in frame of this organization? And the second question is on the one of the outcomes of Modi’s visit to Moscow. The two leaders, as we know, adopted a joint statement and one of it was particularly on economic cooperation. And as we know, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jaishankar is the head of from Indian side of the Governmental Commission on Trade, Cultural, Scientific Cooperation. So, do you already discuss the dates for the next meeting of this commission, when and where it may take place? Thank you.

Manas: This is Manas from PTI. Similar question to what Sidhant asked. This was not only Eric Garcetti, I mean, making critical comments on India-Russia relations, particularly after Prime Minister Modi's visit to Moscow, but several other high-ranking US officials have actually made comments criticizing India, India's close relations with Russia and Prime Minister Modi's visit. How does India see these comments and what's your reaction?

Chandrakala: Hi, Sir. Chandrakala from ETV Bharat. I just wanted to if there is any big decision taken to finalize rules for reducing visa delays for Chinese technicians, I mean, business delays, if you could on this. Thanks.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me answer these questions, then I'll come back for more. Sidhant, your question regarding cryptocurrencies. There is no such proposal as of now in BRICS to settle trade in cryptocurrency. So, that is a short answer to your question.

The other question was regarding comments on strategic autonomy. India, like many other countries, values its strategic autonomy. The US Ambassador is entitled obviously to his opinion. We also have our own and different views. Our comprehensive global strategic partnership with the United States gives us the space to agree, to disagree on certain issues while respecting each other's view-points. So, that is my answer to you.

Huma, regarding BRICS, issues regarding BRICS are discussed in that forum. So, the issue that you mentioned, perhaps it's a proposal which will be taken up as and when BRICS grouping meets and then things will be taken forward.

Ileana, your question regarding parliamentary institution. This month, we had BRICS Parliamentary Forum Meeting in Russia where this particular idea was put forth. It's an idea which needs to be explored and it will be explored by the BRICS membership. As of now, our focus should be to strengthen collaboration and cooperation within the existing mechanism of BRICS Parliamentary Forum that we have. On I-R India-Russia intergovernmental cooperation, we just had the Annual Summit. So, as part of the Annual Summit, decision was taken which is part of the joint statement as well, that the next round of India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission will be held. Both sides will be working out mutually convenient dates and we'll take this bilateral collaboration platform forward with a robust agenda.

Manas, your question is regarding India-U.S. relationship. Between India and the United States, it's a comprehensive strategic global partnership. We have a lot of issues to discuss and both sides engage with each other on several aspects of the relationship and we discuss all issues that are of interest to both parties. As far as you are talking about something that forms part of bilateral conversation, diplomatic conversations, those are things that as a matter of practice we don't speak about it, don't make it public.

Chandrakala your question regarding visa. All visa matters are decided by a policy, policy that is well laid out. So, whether it is X or Y country, based on the merit of the case, visas will be issued to people and visa matters will be discussed in the rubric of established policy that we have for all countries including China.

Brazil
Source: cyberbrics.info

Abstract
When talking about digital transformation, data sovereignty considerations and data transfers cannot be excluded from the discussion, given the considerable likelihood that digital technologies deployed along the process collect, process and transfer (personal) data in multiple jurisdictions. An increasing number of nations, especially those within the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are developing their data governance and digital transformation approaches based on data sovereignty considerations, deeming specific types of data as key strategic and economic resources, which deserve particular protection and that must be leveraged for national development. From this perspective, this paper will try to shed light on how data sovereignty and data transfers interplay in the context of digital transformations. Particularly, we will consider the various dimensions that compose the concept of data sovereignty and will utilise a range of examples from the BRICS grouping to back some of the key considerations developed with empirical evidence. We define data sovereignty as the capacity to understand how and why (personal) data are processed and by whom, develop data processing capabilities, and effectively regulate data processing, thus retaining self-determination and control. We have chosen the BRICS grouping for three reasons. First, research on the grouping’s data policies and digital transformation is still minimal despite their leading role. Second, BRICS account for over 40% of the global population, or 3.2 billion people (which can be seen as 3.2 billion “data subjects” or data producers, depending on perspective, thus making them key players in data governance and digital transformation. Third, the BRICS members have realised that digital transformation is essential for the future of their economies and societies and have shaped specific data governance visions which must be considered by other countries, especially from the global majority, to understand why data governance is instrumental to foster thriving digital environments.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Tenth BRICS Youth Summit

The BRICS Youth Summit, a traditional event held for the 10th time, opened in Ulyanovsk on July 22 and will last until July 26.
The summit is held in accordance with the Action Plan of the Russian BRICS Chairmanship and will be the key event on our agenda in line with Russia’s main position which is to “strengthen multilateralism for equitable global growth and security.”
The event will serve to foster youth cooperation among the participating countries, to share experiences and to propose initiatives for joint implementation. More than 200 young people and 20 experts from the BRICS countries are expected to speak on five different subjects, including “Education, Science and Training,” “Youth Entrepreneurship,” “Science, Technology and Innovation,” “Youth Civil Society Service and Volunteering,” as well as “Sport and Healthy Lifestyle.” Each issue was developed by a separate country. Russia, in particular, addressed education and science.
The BRICS Youth Media Platform, BRICS Radio and the BRICS Universe project, which is a series of exhibitions, will be presented during the summit. The exhibits include 40 images by photographers from the participating countries and works by cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Ivan Vagner who captured views of the Earth from the International Space Station. The project will last through October and will cover Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; Mumbai, India; Cape Town, South Africa; and Kazan, Russia.
On July 25, BRICS ministers and heads of youth affairs agencies will meet to discuss proposals for lining up youth cooperation and the World Youth Festival’s legacy.