As the global balance of power shifts, three of the world’s major developing democracies—India, Brazil and South Africa—are increasingly sidelined in the very multilateral institutions they once hoped to reform. However, an overlooked diplomatic alliance from the early 2000s may offer them a path back to relevance.
In 2003, before the BRICS economic bloc dominated headlines, India, Brazil and South Africa launched a collaborative effort known as the IBSA Dialogue Forum. The initiative was built on a shared vision of promoting South-South cooperation, reforming outdated structures of global governance and giving emerging democracies a stronger voice in international decision-making.
IBSA was sparked during that year’s G8 summit in Évian, France, where the leaders of the three nations—then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Thabo Mbeki—were invited to attend as observers. But they quickly realized their presence was more symbolic than substantive.
In a moment of clarity, Lula remarked: “What is the use of being invited for dessert at the banquet of the powerful? We don’t want just dessert—we want the main course, dessert and coffee.” That sentiment captured the spirit of IBSA: a push for real inclusion and equitable representation in global affairs.
For several years, the alliance flourished. The countries established working groups to deepen cooperation in agriculture, environment, energy and defense. They held regular ministerial meetings and presidential summits, advocating for reforms at institutions like the United Nations, particularly calling for an expanded and more representative Security Council.
However, as the BRICS coalition—which initially brought together Brazil, Russia, India and China—gained global momentum and later included South Africa in 2010, IBSA faded into the background. While foreign ministers from the IBSA countries still meet annually on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the forum’s influence has sharply diminished.
More than a decade later, many analysts and diplomats argue the time is ripe for a revival of IBSA, and they cite three compelling reasons.
A Changed BRICS Landscape
BRICS has undergone significant internal changes in recent years. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine exposed deep rifts within the group. Additionally, BRICS expanded its membership in 2024, potentially diluting the unity and efficiency that once defined it.
There are growing concerns that BRICS could drift toward becoming a geopolitical counterweight to the West under China’s leadership—an outcome that doesn’t align with the foreign policy goals of India, Brazil or South Africa, which have long embraced nonalignment and multilateral cooperation.
Strategic Autonomy in a Shifting World Order
With global politics entering another phase of uncertainty—especially given the possible return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency—IBSA nations may need to rely more on each other to protect their interests. In a world increasingly split between great powers, India, Brazil and South Africa must strengthen diplomatic channels and alliances to avoid being mere spectators in global affairs.
Reinvigorating IBSA could provide a platform for these countries to chart independent foreign policy paths while engaging constructively with major powers.
A Common Voice for Developing Democracies
India, Brazil and South Africa share a rare combination: they are large, diverse, multiethnic democracies from different continents with similar aspirations. They each face the complex task of promoting development, tackling inequality and navigating globalization pressures while preserving democratic institutions.
According to Foreign Policy, by speaking with a cohesive voice through a renewed IBSA forum, these countries could become stronger advocates for the Global South on issues like climate justice, access to technology and reforming trade rules.
Their collaboration predates even IBSA. In the early 2000s, the trio challenged restrictive intellectual property rules at the World Trade Organization. Their efforts led to the historic TRIPS waiver in 2003, which allowed developing nations to export affordable generic medicines during health crises—a victory that demonstrated the power of coordinated diplomacy among emerging democracies.
Looking Ahead
The promise of IBSA was never just about policy coordination—it was about reshaping the global narrative. At a time when authoritarianism is rising and trust in international institutions is eroding, reactivating IBSA could serve as a powerful symbol of democratic cooperation across continents.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once described IBSA as a “moral force” in a turbulent world. That moral force is needed again. To regain lost ground and redefine their role on the world stage, India, Brazil and South Africa would do well to bring IBSA back to life—and this time, not just for dessert.
