India’s Strategic Pivot with BRICS

GS2 – International Relations

Context:

Amid growing geopolitical flux and waning U.S. global leadership, India is reinforcing its multilateral engagement, especially through BRICS.

Strategic Importance of BRICS

• Global Influence:
  Now a bloc of 11 nations, BRICS represents nearly half of the global population and 40% of the world’s GDP.
• Diversity & Resilience:
  Unlike the G7, BRICS includes a mix of political systems and economic models, giving it both depth and complexity.
• Alternative to the West:
  In a world marked by U.S. retreat and a weakened global institutional order (WTO, WHO), BRICS offers strategic autonomy and a negotiation platform.
• South-South Cooperation:
  Enhances the collective voice of the Global South and promotes a multipolar vision of global governance.

Highlights of the 2025 Rio BRICS Summit

• Expanded Membership:
  First summit post-2024 expansion, welcomed new Global South countries—greater inclusivity, but also complexity in consensus-building.
• Geopolitical Stance:
  Strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, with India supporting the resolution—reflecting a shift towards foreign policy independence.
• Focus Areas:
  Discussed ethical AI, climate change, public health, and global governance reforms.
• Push for De-dollarisation:
  Though a joint currency is not planned, members are increasing trade in national currencies and encouraging non-dollar trade benchmarks.

Strategic Benefits for India

• Diplomatic Autonomy:
  Reinforces India’s multi-engagement strategy, resisting unilateral Western influence.
• Leadership in Global South:
  Aligning with BRICS on critical issues enhances India’s soft power and moral authority.
• Economic Diversification:
  Participation in non-dollar trade mechanisms reduces dependency on the US dollar.

Way Forward for India in BRICS

1. Promote Synergy over Rivalry:
   Balance involvement in BRICS, G20, Quad, and G7 to leverage complementary strengths.
2. Shape Emerging Norms:
   Use BRICS to influence rules on tech, climate, and finance, reflecting Global South priorities.
3. Elevate Global South Voice:
   Champion issues like terrorism, digital divide, energy transition, and universal healthcare.
4. Enhance Strategic Resilience:
   Use BRICS as a buffer against global uncertainties like trade wars and currency shocks.