Indian struggle for global power

India’s engagement with BRICS is no romantic pursuit of multilateral harmony—it’s a well-thought-out chess game where each move safeguards national interest. While India publicly promotes cooperation, behind the curtain it walks a tightrope, avoiding any tilt that might upset its ties with the West. Rather than diving headfirst into BRICS’ pro-China current, India plays it smart—using the bloc as a launchpad to boost its global image, bid for a permanent UNSC seat, and secure a foothold among the world’s power players. It’s not about singing in harmony with BRICS, but rather, humming its own tune while sharing the stage. India’s true multilateralism isn’t blind—it’s selective, strategic, and elite-driven.

The undercurrent of rivalry, especially with China, shapes India’s caution. BRICS is seen not as a final destination but a stepping stone—one India treads carefully to avoid drowning in anti-Western tides stirred by Beijing and Moscow. India champions symbolic expansion, shielding its clout from being watered down by adversaries like Pakistan. At the heart of this game is India’s ambition to lead the Global South through soft power—an ambition echoed in its G20 slogan “The World Is One Family.” But make no mistake—this familial face is layered over a steely resolve to climb the global hierarchy on its own terms. BRICS, for India, is a stage to perform, not a club to belong to.

Overview:

The article highlights India’s nuanced engagement with BRICS. It explores how India tactfully navigates its participation in the group to assert global influence while maintaining strategic autonomy. The article underscores the tension with China and India’s ambitions to lead the Global South without sacrificing its Western alliances.

NOTES:

This article highlights geopolitical maneuvering, regional alliances, foreign policy strategy, and power dynamics among global South players. Candidates should pay special attention to India’s diplomatic balancing act, its rivalry with China, and how platforms like BRICS reflect the emerging multipolar world order.

Related CSS Syllabus Topics:

• International Relations: Strategic alliances, global governance, BRICS, UN Security Council
• Pakistan Affairs: Regional diplomacy and rivalries (e.g., India-China, India-Pakistan)
• Current Affairs: India’s foreign policy, power blocs, G20 diplomacy
• Political Science: Multilateralism, soft power, strategic autonomy

Notes for Beginners:

India is part of BRICS, a group of five major emerging economies. While it joins meetings and shares ideas, India doesn’t blindly support every move—especially those led by China. For example, when BRICS leans toward anti-West policies, India takes a step back to keep its ties strong with the US and Europe. It’s like being part of a team but choosing when to play or sit out. India also doesn’t want countries like Pakistan to join BRICS and reduce its importance. Instead, it supports limited participation, just enough to keep the group looking inclusive. This strategy shows how countries can use global groups to gain more power without losing their own identity.

Facts and Figures:

• India is one of the founding members of BRICS.
• India’s G20 presidency slogan was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—”The World Is One Family.”
• BRICS members collectively represent over 40% of the world population and nearly 25% of global GDP.
• India has ongoing border tensions with China, including recent standoffs in Ladakh.
• India is part of the Quad alliance (India, USA, Japan, Australia) focused on Indo-Pacific cooperation.

To wrap up, In the power play of 21st-century diplomacy, India’s BRICS strategy is both a curtain call and a carefully-scripted act. It’s not about jumping onto a bandwagon but driving one’s own course—balancing East and West, projecting soft power, and holding cards close to the chest. India’s road to global leadership runs through contested platforms like BRICS, but it makes sure not to lose sight of the finish line: influence without compromise.