India and BRICS: Navigating Multipolar Aspirations

GS2 – International Relations

Context

India is striving to assert itself as a global leader while navigating the limitations of forums such as BRICS, which are increasingly influenced by China. As global multilateral systems evolve, India is reassessing whether these platforms support or compromise its strategic autonomy and foreign policy objectives.

India’s Objectives within BRICS

1. Pursuit of a Multipolar Global Order
   • BRICS emerged as an alternative to the Western-dominated global governance structure.
   • India regarded it as a platform to push for reform in international institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
2. Championing the Global South
   • The bloc offered India an opportunity to represent and amplify the interests of the Global South.
   • It enabled enhanced South-South cooperation.
3. Access to Infrastructure Financing
   • Through the New Development Bank (NDB), India aimed to secure financial support for domestic infrastructure projects.

Strategic Constraints and China’s Overbearing Influence

1. Economic Disparity
   • China’s GDP ($17.79 trillion) significantly overshadows India’s ($3.56 trillion), allowing Beijing to dominate BRICS’ strategic and economic direction.
2. Chinese Strategic Utilisation
   • China has leveraged BRICS to advance its own agendas, including the promotion of de-dollarisation and the expansion of BRICS membership—often misaligned with Indian interests.
3. New Development Bank (NDB) Concerns
   • While India has benefited from NDB funding, China’s control over its orientation—particularly its association with the Belt and Road Initiative—raises red flags about concealed geopolitical implications.
4. Limited Diplomatic Achievements
   • India’s diplomatic efforts, especially concerning terrorism, have seen minimal success within BRICS declarations, which frequently omit naming Pakistan—reflecting China’s influence and undermining India’s positions.
5. Divergent Strategic Alignments
   • India’s key economic and strategic engagements are with countries outside BRICS, such as the US, Japan, and the EU.
   • Nonetheless, it remains involved in BRICS and similar forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), signalling a deliberate hedging strategy.

India’s Broader Strategic Approach

1. Engagement Without Isolation
   • With limited prospects of entering elite Western clubs like the G7, India’s withdrawal from BRICS or SCO could reduce its influence in shaping global norms.
   • Continued presence in such forums ensures participation in crucial global decision-making platforms.
2. Advocating for Equal Leadership
   • In contrast to China’s often transactional “G77 plus China” posture, India shares genuine developmental concerns with the Global South.
   • It is well-positioned to serve as a mediator between developing nations and industrialised countries.
3. Diverse Thematic and Regional Participation
   • India remains active in varied platforms—IBSA, QUAD, IPEF, SCO, and BRICS—to influence discussions on areas like digital governance and climate finance.
4. Strengthening Bilateral Relations
   • India’s influence can be amplified through focused bilateral ties with countries in Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN—beyond China-led multilateral initiatives.
5. Adopting Principled Pluralism
   • India should advocate for equity and reform without being drawn into rigid East-West divisions.
   • A value-based yet adaptable foreign policy enhances its credibility on the world stage.
6. Creating Alternative Coalitions
   • Strengthening groupings such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), I2U2, and G20 can help achieve specific economic and diplomatic objectives.