BRICS presents a unique opportunity for India, enabling it to collaborate with close allies within an expanding organization that champions principles aligned with its own values, such as multilateralism and support for the Global South. This alliance allows India to assert a more balanced stance in its relationships with both Western and non-Western countries, especially as its ties with the United States and other Western allies—excluding Canada—have reached unprecedented levels.
However, BRICS faces ongoing challenges in achieving internal cohesion and executing concrete initiatives, which diminishes the likelihood of the group emerging as a formidable counterweight to the West. This dynamic is favorable for India, which does not seek to antagonize its Western partners.
The recent BRICS summit hinted at a commitment to collaborative initiatives in non-controversial areas such as climate change, higher education, public health, and science and technology, as highlighted in the joint statement. These efforts emphasize cooperation among member states rather than opposition to Western influence, aligning perfectly with India's strategic interests.
Such collaborations in safe and constructive domains not only underscore that a rising BRICS need not provoke discomfort in the West but also provide reassurance to Western capitals that the group's intentions remain cooperative rather than confrontational. The well-attended summit in Russia likely raised some eyebrows in the West, making this message all the more critical.
In essence, India's participation in BRICS positions it to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world, fostering relationships that promote its interests while maintaining a diplomatic balance with established powers. As BRICS continues to evolve, India's role will be crucial in shaping a cooperative framework that benefits all member states without alienating Western allies.
