Can BRICS write its own AI playbook, without the West?
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The BRICS bloc faces a pivotal shift as the focus moves from traditional trade to the critical domain of artificial intelligence. India's upcoming 2026 chairmanship offers a unique opportunity to define a non-Western AI governance framework amidst global geopolitical competition.
The Strategic Pivot: From Trade to Technology
As the BRICS summit convenes at Bharat Mandapam, the bloc stands at a critical juncture. For years, the narrative of the group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside its newer members—has been dominated by traditional geopolitical and economic objectives. These have consistently included the push for trade in local currencies, long-standing calls for the reform of the UN Security Council, and repetitive pledges regarding climate finance. While these remain essential, they no longer represent the cutting edge of global power dynamics.
The New Currency of Global Influence
The fundamental nature of global competition has evolved significantly over the last decade. Ten years ago, the primary metrics for success within the BRICS framework were investment flows, GDP growth rates, and commodity exports. Today, the 'currency of power' has shifted toward technological infrastructure: compute clusters, the establishment of chip fabrication plants, and the ability to dictate the ethical and operational rules governing artificial intelligence. This shift reflects a world where sovereign influence is increasingly tied to digital sovereignty.
The Geopolitical AI Divide
Washington and Beijing have already recognized this paradigm shift, positioning themselves as the primary architects of the global AI landscape. By securing dominance over the hardware and software stacks that drive modern intelligence, these nations are setting the standards that the rest of the world is expected to follow. Meanwhile, Brussels has begun constructing a 'regulatory wall,' focusing on governance and safety protocols that aim to institutionalize Western values within AI systems. This leaves the BRICS nations in a position where they must either adopt external frameworks or develop a distinct, sovereign alternative.
India’s Leadership and the 2026 Mandate
With India set to hold the chair for the BRICS bloc in 2026, the nation is uniquely positioned to steer the agenda toward a more technological focus. India has demonstrated historical consistency in its diplomatic approach during its previous chairmanships in 2012, 2016, and 2021. However, the upcoming 2026 term requires a departure from the 'familiar script.' India’s challenge will be to translate its domestic digital infrastructure successes into a broader BRICS policy that balances the diverse interests of its member states.
Defining a Non-Western AI Playbook
The central question remains: can BRICS truly author its own AI playbook without relying on Western or Chinese-dominated models? To do so, the bloc would need to bridge the massive gap in semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, data governance standards, and investment in research and development. This would require an unprecedented level of intra-bloc cooperation, moving beyond mere summits to concrete technical partnerships.
Future Trends and Conclusion
Looking forward, the ability of BRICS to influence the global AI trajectory will depend on whether it can move past its traditional economic focus to foster a collaborative technological ecosystem. If the bloc fails to harmonize its interests, it risks becoming a consumer of foreign AI technologies rather than a creator. However, if India leads a cohesive effort to establish a shared framework for AI development, BRICS could emerge as a significant third pole in the global race for technological supremacy.
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