New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- As leaders gathered in New Delhi this weekend for the 18th BRICS Summit, one question will define whether the grouping's expanded ambitions translate into real gains for the Global South. BRICS will matter only if its four pillars produce something developing countries actually need: greater strategic choice without new dependencies.

The grouping does not suffer from a shortage of ambition; it suffers from a shortage of measurable delivery. What counts is not its declarations but a practical question: does BRICS give developing countries more options in trade, finance, technology and partnerships - or merely shift dependence from one set of powerful actors to another?

India has placed "Building for Resilience, Inn...