Overview
IBSA is a trilateral cooperation forum between India, Brazil and South Africa.
It was established in 2003 through the Brasília Declaration to promote South–South cooperation among three large democracies from Asia, Africa and South America.
Members
- India
- Brazil
- South Africa
Objectives
- Promote cooperation among developing countries
- Reform global governance institutions such as the UN Security Council
- Strengthen trade, investment and technology exchange
- Enhance coordination in multilateral forums
Key Areas of Cooperation
Political Coordination
- Joint positions in the United Nations and WTO
- Advocacy for UN Security Council reform
Economic Cooperation
- Trade facilitation and business forums
- Sectoral working groups on agriculture, energy, science and technology
Social Development
- Poverty alleviation
- Public health
- Education and capacity building
IBSA Fund
IBSA established the IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund in 2004.
- Managed by the United Nations Development Programme
- Supports development projects in least developed countries
- Recognised globally for South–South development cooperation
Significance
- Represents democratic voices of the Global South
- Strengthens trilateral strategic cooperation
- Provides an alternative platform alongside BRICS
- Enhances coordination among three regional powers
Difference from BRICS
IBSA includes only three democratic developing countries, whereas BRICS includes five major emerging economies including China and Russia.
IBSA focuses more on democratic values and South–South cooperation.
Conclusion
IBSA remains an important platform for democratic emerging powers to coordinate on global governance reforms, development cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, reinforcing the collective voice of the Global South.
