Importance of Balancing BRICS and QUAD

As the only country that is a founding member of both QUAD and BRICS, India faces the challenge of balancing its commitments to both groups without prioritizing one over the other. Each organization provides distinct strategic advantages that are essential for India’s national interests.

Domain Comparison

Domain	BRICS	QUAD
Global Governance and Security	Essential for global economic reform and countering Western dominance.	Crucial for addressing Indo-Pacific security challenges and countering Chinese influence.
Strategic Benefits	Provides financial resources through initiatives like the New Development Bank and promotes global equity.	Enhances maritime security, technology partnerships, and economic cooperation.
Economic and Technological Cooperation	Facilitates economic collaboration and development with a focus on South-South cooperation.	Focuses on reorienting global supply chains and advancing technology in areas like digital, telecom, and health.
Diplomatic Leverage	Offers an alternative forum for India’s economic and political interests, balancing Western influences.	Provides a platform for strategic alignment with major democracies, enhancing India’s global stature.
Regional Dynamics	Contributes to a balanced global order and counters attempts to marginalize emerging economies.	Addresses regional vulnerabilities and flashpoints, such as the South China Sea.

Way Forward

1. Develop a Cohesive Foreign Policy:
   • Leverage strengths from both QUAD and BRICS to address global and regional challenges. For instance, India’s “Act East” policy can integrate QUAD engagements with BRICS objectives.
2. Maintain Robust Diplomatic Relations:
   • Ensure consistent communication and alignment on strategic goals with both QUAD and BRICS partners to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
3. Pair Diverse Objectives:
   • Integrate initiatives like the QUAD’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative with BRICS’ Contingent Reserve Arrangement to improve global economic stability.
4. Encourage Collaborative Projects:
   • Initiate joint projects spanning both QUAD and BRICS to address shared interests and global issues, such as climate change and sustainable development.
5. Ensure Balanced Influence:
   • Support BRICS expansion to include countries aligning with India’s vision while simultaneously strengthening QUAD’s security frameworks to counter regional threats. This balance ensures that the objectives of one group do not undermine the other.
6. Adapt and Recalibrate Strategies:
   • Continuously adapt strategies based on the changing geopolitical dynamics and priorities of both QUAD and BRICS to stay relevant and effective.
7. Advocate for Inclusive Policies:
   • Promote inclusive policies within both groups to reflect a broad range of interests, enhancing India’s strategic positioning on the global stage.

By effectively balancing its commitments to both BRICS and QUAD, India can maximize its strategic advantages and play a pivotal role in shaping a balanced and equitable global order.