Opinion | India’s Role in the BRICS Summit : Shaping a New Global Order

Through its principled diplomacy, technological innovation, and developmental vision, India continues to shape the BRICS agenda in a manner that promotes equity, justice, and shared prosperity.

The BRICS Summit, an annual gathering of five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has become an influential forum in global geopolitics and economic discourse. Since its inception in 2009, BRICS has evolved into a platform that not only promotes economic cooperation among its members but also seeks to provide alternative narratives to Western-dominated institutions. At the heart of this transformation lies India, whose proactive diplomacy, economic growth, and commitment to multilateralism have made it a key player within the bloc.

India’s participation in BRICS reflects its broader vision for a multipolar world—one where emerging nations have a decisive say in shaping global affairs. As one of the founding members, India has been instrumental in driving critical initiatives and ensuring that the voice of the Global South finds space in international decision-making processes. At every summit, India brings to the table its concerns about the global economic order, its desire for institutional reform, and its emphasis on inclusive development.

A major focus of India’s engagement in BRICS has been the reform of multilateral institutions like the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. India has consistently argued that these institutions are relics of a post-World War II power structure and fail to reflect the contemporary economic and political realities. The country advocates for a more democratic and representative system that includes the voices of developing nations, especially in matters of global governance.

Another key aspect of India’s role in BRICS is its consistent effort to build consensus on counterterrorism. Given the challenges India faces from cross-border terrorism, it has repeatedly urged the BRICS partners to adopt a united stand against all forms of terrorism without political bias or double standards. India’s push led to the establishment of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, an important step in institutionalizing anti-terror cooperation within the bloc.

In the realm of technology and innovation, India has emerged as a global leader, particularly in digital public infrastructure and fintech. Leveraging its experience with Aadhaar, UPI, and other homegrown platforms, India has called for collaboration among BRICS countries in the field of digital inclusion and e-governance. Its presidency of BRICS in 2021 saw the launch of the BRICS Digital Health Platform and the BRICS Innovation Network, both of which aim to harness the collective strength of member countries in science and technology.

India also places strong emphasis on sustainable development and climate change. While recognizing the need for urgent action, India has stressed the importance of equity, climate justice, and differentiated responsibilities. It has used the BRICS platform to call for enhanced climate finance and technology transfer to developing countries. India’s initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) resonate with the bloc’s broader objectives of building resilient and sustainable economies.

Health cooperation, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has also emerged as a critical area of collaboration within BRICS. India’s vast pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and its outreach through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri positioned it as a responsible and capable partner during the global health crisis. The BRICS Health Ministers’ meetings have increasingly focused on vaccine research, public health infrastructure, and knowledge sharing, often drawing from India’s expertise.

Recent BRICS summits have further underscored India’s mature and strategic diplomacy. At the 2023 Johannesburg Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for resilient supply chains, cooperation in green technology, and the expansion of BRICS membership. The idea of BRICS+, which envisions including more countries from the Global South, was met with growing interest. India supported a calibrated expansion approach, one that maintains the group’s cohesion and consensus-based model while broadening its representation.

India’s balancing act within BRICS is particularly noteworthy given its complex relationships with China and Russia. Despite periodic tensions with China, including recent border disputes, India has maintained its commitment to BRICS as a multilateral platform. It continues to engage diplomatically, focusing on areas of convergence while managing bilateral differences. Similarly, India’s deepening engagement with Russia, especially in energy and defense sectors, is reflected in its constructive role within the BRICS framework—even as it maintains strategic autonomy in the face of Western pressure regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The financial dimension of BRICS also aligns with India’s interests. The New Development Bank (NDB), originally known as the BRICS Bank, was strongly backed by India and has supported infrastructure projects across member nations. India sees in it a viable alternative to Western financial institutions and a step toward financial sovereignty. Discussions around a BRICS currency or payment system to reduce dependency on the dollar have also been supported in principle by India, though it continues to emphasize feasibility and economic prudence.

Looking ahead, India envisions a BRICS that is inclusive, responsive, and transformative. Its advocacy for digital transformation, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation demonstrates a commitment to collective progress. As BRICS expands and adapts to new geopolitical challenges, India’s leadership will be crucial in steering the bloc toward constructive outcomes.

The BRICS Summit has become an essential arena for addressing global challenges, and India’s role within it has only grown stronger with time. Through its principled diplomacy, technological innovation, and developmental vision, India continues to shape the BRICS agenda in a manner that promotes equity, justice, and shared prosperity. In a rapidly changing world order, BRICS offers India not just a platform but a purpose—to build bridges across continents and create a future that is democratic, multipolar, and inclusive.

Author Syed Jahanzeeb is a geopolitical analyst and columnist who writes on international relations, strategic affairs, and South-South cooperation. With a keen interest in emerging global alliances and India’s foreign policy, he regularly contributes to newspapers and journals. He can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com.