BRICS Expansion – 3 Powerful Shifts Shaping Gold and Land Investment in 2025
The global economic ground is shifting beneath investors’ feet. The BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—has now expanded to 11 member nations, including Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Together with its partner states, BRICS+ now accounts for 44% of global GDP and 56% of the world’s population.
This historic expansion signals a significant shift in economic power toward the Global South, challenging the decades-long dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade.
Adding to the intensity, U.S. President Donald Trump recently issued a sharp warning—threatening 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they attempt to replace the dollar in trade settlements. The geopolitical message is clear: the competition for financial influence is entering uncharted territory.
🇮🇳 Why This Matters for Indian Investors
India stands at the heart of this transformation.
Set to become the world’s 4th-largest economy by the end of 2025 (overtaking Japan)
Maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy with a projected 6.2% growth rate in 2025
Pursuing financial sovereignty through rupee-based trade agreements and diversification of foreign reserves
India’s approach is measured yet strategic. While New Delhi is not actively calling for the end of the dollar’s role, it is building safeguards—expanding gold reserves, strengthening trade ties, and prioritising self-reliance in global finance.
📈 Gold: The Hedge of Choice in Volatile Times
In 2023, BRICS nations collectively became the largest buyers of gold in the world.
China added 225 metric tons—its largest annual purchase in nearly 50 years
India and Russia also increased their holdings significantly
Gold prices hit record highs in 2025, driven by fears of de-dollarisation and persistent global tensions
Gold serves as insurance in a portfolio—it preserves wealth, acts as a hedge against inflation, and offers protection in times of geopolitical uncertainty. But as I often tell my clients, gold alone will not build the future.
🌱 Land: The Growth Engine of the New Wealth Standard
If gold is the shield, land is the sword.
Land is:
Finite – it cannot be manufactured
Tangible – it cannot be hacked or erased
Versatile – can generate income through agriculture, eco-tourism, or leasing
Appreciative – values rise with infrastructure growth and urban expansion
In my career, I have seen undervalued land corridors turn into booming economic zones:
Noida International Airport Zone – 300% value growth since 2012
Sariska–Alwar Belt – quadrupled prices in 10 years as eco-tourism took off
Goa–Maharashtra Border – land values surged with NH166S expansion and CRZ policy reforms
These aren’t lucky bets—they’re the result of strategic foresight, identifying high-ROI locations before they appear on the mainstream radar.
🔍 Comparing Asset Classes in Times of Uncertainty
| Asset Class | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Wealth preservation, inflation hedge | No yield, storage costs |
| Stocks | Growth potential, liquidity | Market volatility, speculative risk |
| REITs | Real estate exposure, income potential | Linked to market cycles |
| Land | Appreciation + utility + legacy | Requires due diligence, less liquid |
When balanced, gold and land together form a resilient foundation:
Gold = Stability & Protection
Land = Growth & Legacy
📜 Lessons in Leadership – For Nations and Investors
The BRICS expansion and U.S. trade threats offer a broader lesson: in times of disruption, strong leadership matters.
For nations:
The ability to adapt policy while protecting sovereignty is key
Building diverse alliances ensures resilience
For investors:
Asset allocation is a leadership decision in your own financial life
Proactive diversification beats reactive panic
As we celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, I see a clear parallel: just as our freedom fighters sought political sovereignty, today’s generation must pursue financial sovereignty.
💡 My Advice to Investors in 2025
Balance Your Portfolio – Gold for security, land for growth
Stay Informed – Geopolitics is now a direct driver of asset performance
Think Long-Term – Measure wealth in decades, not quarters
Seek Expert Foresight – Avoid speculative hype; focus on fundamentals
📌 Conclusion: A New Gold Standard for the Future
We are in a historic moment. The economic tectonic plates are shifting, and India is uniquely positioned to benefit—if we act wisely.
For me, the “new gold standard” isn’t a return to old monetary systems; it’s about building resilient, asset-backed wealth.
Gold provides the shield.
Land provides the sword.
Together, they can secure financial independence in an uncertain world.
About Kushal Dev Rathi
Kushal Dev Rathi is India’s leading land wealth strategist with over 25 years of experience in identifying high-growth land investment corridors. He has advised UHNWIs, family offices, and institutional investors on building resilient portfolios rooted in tangible assets.
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