AI: A new arena for BRICS power projection

ParsToday – AI has become a new axis of global power, and BRICS is striving to break its monopoly; a path that inherently holds the potential for both cooperation and competition among its members.

The member countries of the BRICS group, with a distinct vision for the future of technology, view artificial intelligence not as an exclusive tool for a limited few powers, but as a "public good" to reduce inequality and strengthen a multipolar world. However, a fundamental question remains: will the path of AI development within BRICS lead to collective cooperation or fuel technological rivalry among its members? In an analytical report addressing these questions, the BRICS TV network writes: Let's consider AI not as a luxury commodity, but as public infrastructure for global development—an approach seriously pursued by Global South experts. According to many analysts, AI can help reduce structural inequalities and bolster a multipolar world order.

In a world where, according to WHO estimates, there are on average only 17 doctors per 10,000 people, AI-powered remote diagnostics and predictive analytics could save millions of lives. This technology also holds the potential to transform education, increase agricultural productivity, combat hunger, and make cities smarter. However, the rapid development of AI comes with serious challenges in ethics, environment, and national sovereignty—challenges that require intelligent policymaking to manage.

Svetlana Kristoforova, an analyst at BRICS TV, explores the status of this technology within the group by asking: "Will BRICS countries move together in the field of AI, or will they take separate paths?"

AI status in BRICS countries

Christina Amor Maclang, Secretary-General of the International Digital Economy Association, believes AI has become the new infrastructure for human development, a reality well understood by BRICS countries. Accordingly, all BRICS members have formulated national AI development strategies or plans. China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa approved their official strategies between 2017 and 2024, while countries like Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia are pursuing similar programs.

In the 2023 Government AI Readiness Index, the founding BRICS countries achieved relatively high rankings: China at 16th, Brazil at 32nd, Russia at 38th, India at 40th, and South Africa at 77th. China was the undisputed leader in indices such as ethics, technology maturity, access, and human capital.

According to Russian technology expert Semyon Tenyaev, AI in China has become part of state and public infrastructure, encompassing everything from factories to social services. Alexander Titov, Deputy Secretary-General of IDEA, also believes global leadership in this field is multipolar and dynamic: China leads in computing capacity and resources, India in startups and services, Brazil in ethical policymaking, Russia in state strategic projects, and South Africa in regional policymaking.

Differences in national strategies

BRICS countries have different approaches to AI governance, but they share a common point: AI is regarded as part of national security and technological independence. Brazil emphasizes transparent regulatory frameworks and data protection, India seeks a balance between innovation and social justice, and South Africa employs AI to improve public services. Iran has announced the design of a domestic AI operating system and the development of intelligent assistants, while the United Arab Emirates explicitly pursues the goal of building an AI-powered country.

Leading powers: China, India, and Russia

China, aiming for global leadership by 2030 and investing nearly $100 billion in 2025 alone, has turned AI into a new benchmark for global power. In addition to domestic development, it exports its technology and regulations to developing countries.

India, leveraging its IT sector and vast startup ecosystem, is integrating AI into governance, commerce, agriculture, and education. The market for AI solutions in the country could grow more than fourfold by 2030.

Russia, focusing on the public sector, plans to establish 25 AI regions by 2030 and increase the share of AI-based medical diagnostics to 80%.

Cooperation or competition?

Experts believe the future of AI in BRICS will be a mix of cooperation and competition. Competition is the engine of innovation, but without cooperation on infrastructure, standards, and security, costs will rise. Tenyaev argues: "The best strategy is competition in products and cooperation in foundations."

Joint BRICS initiatives, including media cooperation and launching shared platforms for AI applications, show that cooperation is not only possible but inevitable. It is only through this path that AI can become a powerful tool for Global South countries, reduce inequalities, and create safe, inclusive, and sustainable development.