Majueran, founding director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, writes that many BRICS members and Global South are seeking greater strategic autonomy, stronger representation and diversified economic and diplomatic partnerships rather than choosing a new geopolitical side.

She argues that BRICS cooperation is driven by practical interests, including access to more markets, investment partners, financing options and payment mechanisms. According to her, cooperation outside Western-led institutions does not automatically mean cooperation against the West.

Majueran says the goal is diversification rather than isolation, allowing countries to maintain relationships with different major powers while making decisions according to their own national interests.

With China set to assume the BRICS presidency and host the 19th BRICS Summit, she argues that Beijing will have an opportunity to turn priorities such as development, multilateralism and stronger Global South representation into practical outcome...