India’s Balancing Act with Brics as New Members Join the Group
India’s diplomatic finesse is increasingly tested as Brics—a coalition of emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expands with new members and flexes its geopolitical muscle. India, the Brics member with the closest ties to the West, finds itself both benefiting from and navigating the complexities of the group’s evolution.
Brics: Rising Influence on Global Stage
Brics recently welcomed four new members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—demonstrating a significant expansion. India’s ties with these countries vary, but its diplomatic engagement is strong. This expansion bolsters Brics’ profile as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions, aligning with India’s foreign policy priorities.
India’s Diplomatic Tightrope: Balancing East and West
India values Brics for reinforcing its strategic autonomy—allowing it to maintain strong relationships across global alliances. Brics provides a platform for India to deepen its cooperation with Russia, despite Western sanctions, and cautiously manage relations with China following recent border agreements. These diplomatic efforts allow India to keep Western partnerships intact, particularly with the Indo-Pacific Quad.
Balancing Brics Priorities and Western Partnerships
India and Brics members collectively prioritize key principles: support for the Global South, multipolarity, and a push for UN reform. However, Brics’ diverse membership ensures the group does not solely counter Western interests. India’s core partnerships with Brics members complement its alliances with the US and the Quad, positioning it as a strategic mediator.
Brics’ Challenges and India’s Role
Internal divisions within Brics remain, with issues between new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran. Despite these, India’s pragmatic approach ensures it remains an active, influential participant while avoiding an anti-West stance. Brics’ internal collaboration on areas like climate and public health underscores an emphasis on constructive, non-confrontational initiatives.
India’s role within Brics exemplifies its diplomatic balancing act, advancing interests that align with both Eastern and Western allies.
External link: BBC
Internal link: Kenkou Land
