Question

The India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) is widely viewed as a unique voice for the Global South. It is in India’s interest to revitalize IBSA. Analyze.

Answer 1

Approach:

• Explain in brief what is IBSA and its role.
• List the various benefits to India with the revival of the organization.
• You can conclude by highlighting the future of this organization.

IBSA was established in June 2003. It is a coordinating mechanism amongst three emerging countries, three multi ethnic and multicultural democracies i.e. India, Brazil and South Africa.
It has galvanized “South-South cooperation”. It aims to contribute to the construction of a new international architecture, bring their voice together on global issues, deepen their ties in various areas.

How will India benefit from IBSA?

• Energy has often been cited as an ideal field where each country has special expertise which is of benefit to others: Brazil in Biofuels, South Africa in coal liquid technology, India in renewable sources of energy.
• IBSA could articulate the need for maritime peace, stability and the rule of law in the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic.
• This is an association of democracies that believe they have a right to claim permanent membership of the UNSC. With the development works initiated in the third world they will be able to garner support and goodwill of Govt and people.
• Strategically too, IBSA member countries regularly conduct naval exercises in the Indian Ocean.

Concerns raised about IBSA

• The three countries promised that each of them will pitch in an annual contribution of $1 million to the IBSA fund. Though operational the fund has received has very less contributions as a whole.
• Meetings of the forum are not conducted regularly to enhance the partnership.
• IBSA has faced even greater challenges in its attempts to influence international affairs and shift the global balance of power. Joint initiatives have been few and far between and largely fallen short of expectations.
• IBSA countries face similar internal challenges ranging from socio economic inequality, low levels of public education and rapid urbanization.

The forum faces a fundamental challenge of maintaining its relevance in the wake of the emergence of similar groupings such as BRICS. To overcome this challenge, IBSA member states must ensure regular meets both at the level of Heads of State and Government, as well at the Ministerial level.