India’s Engagement with the Multipolar World: The Role of BRICS
Introduction
In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, characterized by the erosion of unipolar
dominance and the emergence of a multipolar world order, India has positioned itself as a
key architect of balanced global governance. The BRICS grouping—originally comprising
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has evolved into a pivotal platform for India
to advance its foreign policy objectives of strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and
advocacy for the Global South. As of December 2025, BRICS has expanded to include full
members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia,
with Saudi Arabia participating as a partner country, alongside others like Belarus, Bolivia,
Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and
Uzbekistan.bfb1c00d3ae00ba730e519e3c2dd0d0b1939 This expansion has amplified
BRICS’ collective clout, representing approximately 45-56% of the world’s population (over
4.45 billion people out of 8.01 billion) and 37-44% of global GDP at purchasing power parity
(PPP), surpassing the G7 in economic output when measured
similarly.4da8cf52ad3ea16b519bffdd461f9c18fd3ff30d053d76da2e0c71e515c2 BRICS
accounts for about 24-26% of global trade and has achieved a collective GDP growth rate
of 4% in 2024-2025, outpacing the global average of 3.3%.3b5aadfcd1f8
India’s engagement with BRICS is emblematic of its broader strategy in a multipolar world,
where power is diffused among multiple actors, including emerging economies challenging
Western hegemony. Rooted in principles of non-alignment inherited from the Cold War era,
India’s approach emphasizes “issue-based alignments” and “plurilateralism,” allowing it to
collaborate with diverse partners without formal alliances. BRICS serves as a
counterweight to institutions like the IMF and World Bank, promoting reformed
multilateralism, equitable development, and de-risking from dollar dominance. This
postgraduate-level analysis explores India’s historical role in BRICS, its strategic
objectives, institutional contributions, the outcomes of the 2025 Rio Summit, bilateral
relations with all member and partner states (focusing on agreements and cooperation),
challenges, and future prospects. It draws on empirical data, policy documents, and
scholarly insights to argue that BRICS enables India to assert leadership in the Global
South while navigating great-power rivalries, ultimately reinforcing multipolarity.
Historical Evolution of BRICS and India’s Foundational Contributions
The genesis of BRICS traces back to a 2001 Goldman Sachs report by Jim O’Neill, which
identified Brazil, Russia, India, and China as emerging economic powerhouses poised to
reshape global growth. Formalized as BRIC in 2009 with the first summit in Yekaterinburg,
Russia, the grouping expanded to include South Africa in 2011, becoming BRICS. India
played a foundational role from the outset, hosting the fourth summit in New Delhi (2012),
where it championed the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) as alternatives to Western financial
institutions.f178e0adb23d
India’s involvement reflects its post-colonial ethos of solidarity among developing nations,
echoing the Bandung Conference of 1955 and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). During its
2016 Goa presidency, India introduced themes of “Building Responsive, Inclusive, and
Collective Solutions,” leading to initiatives like the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform
and the first BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting. The 2021 virtual summit under India’s
chairmanship achieved several “firsts,” including the BRICS Digital Health Summit, the
inaugural BRICS Water Ministers’ Meeting, and the BRICS Vaccine Research and
Development Virtual Platform, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.78444b227c70 These efforts
underscored India’s focus on health security and digital public infrastructure (DPI), sharing
models like UPI and Aadhaar.
The 2024 expansion under Russia’s Kazan presidency added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the
UAE as full members, effective January 2024, while Indonesia joined as a full member in
January 2025.39a46be7762a1f7381 Saudi Arabia’s status remains partner-level, despite
initial invitations, due to its hedging between BRICS and Western alliances.b46b6cd04c74
This growth has diversified BRICS, incorporating African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast
Asian perspectives, aligning with India’s advocacy for inclusive multipolarity. By 2025,
BRICS’ NDB has approved over $34-40 billion for more than 100 projects, with India
receiving nearly $10 billion for infrastructure like metros and renewables.c5ee0476dd5d
Evolution of BRICS and India’s Pivotal Role
The term BRIC was coined in 2001; formal cooperation began with the first summit in 2009.
India has hosted three summits (2012 New Delhi, 2016 Goa, 2021 virtual) and played a
decisive role in institutionalizing the grouping:
2012 New Delhi Summit: India proposed the creation of a development bank.
2014 Fortaleza Summit: New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve
Arrangement (CRA) established.
2016 Goa Summit: Launched BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, Credit Rating Agency
(BRICS CRA proposed), and emphasized counter-terrorism.
2021 Indian Chairmanship: Introduced digital health, vaccine cooperation, and disaster
resilience initiatives amid COVID-19.
Expansion in 2024–2025 has transformed BRICS into a more representative Global South
forum, aligning with India’s advocacy for inclusivity.
India's Strategic Objectives in BRICS
Reform of Global Governance: Push for UNSC permanent seat expansion (India, Brazil, and
African representation).
Economic De-risking: Promote local currency trade, reduce dollar dependence, and
diversify supply chains.
Security Cooperation: Consensus on counter-terrorism (including condemnation of cross-
border attacks).
Sustainable Development: Climate finance, green transitions, and Lifestyle for
Environment (LiFE) initiative.
Technological Leadership: Sharing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) models (UPI, Aadhaar)
and AI governance.
India’s Strategic Objectives in the Multipolar World through BRICS
In a multipolar world marked by US-China competition, Russia’s assertiveness, and
Europe’s inward focus, India leverages BRICS to pursue five core objectives:
Reforming Global Governance: India advocates for UN Security Council (UNSC) expansion,
including permanent seats for itself, Brazil, and African nations, as per the Ezulwini
Consensus. The 2025 Rio Declaration explicitly supported this, reflecting India’s push for
equitable representation.4d7f7d226ac14c8658
Economic De-Risking and Autonomy: Amid global supply chain disruptions and US tariffs
under the Trump 2.0 administration (2025 onward), India promotes local currency trade
and digital payment systems within BRICS. Bilateral trade settlements in rupees have
grown, reducing dollar dependency.30ff21d5bff15695c2 India’s economy, projected to
grow at 6.2% in 2025 (highest among BRICS), contributes significantly to the bloc’s
momentum.3e613d
Security and Counter-Terrorism: India has successfully integrated its concerns into BRICS
agendas, such as condemning cross-border terrorism in the 2025 Rio Declaration,
referencing the April 2025 Pahalgam attack.dd9df6cb6bff It pushes for the UN
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
Sustainable Development and Climate Action: Aligning with its net-zero by 2070 goal, India
promotes the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative and climate finance for developing
nations. The 2025 summit featured a developing country-led platform for carbon
accounting.76d01c150ce807ab39
Technological and Innovation Leadership: India shares DPI expertise, advocating AI
governance and digital economic agreements.f417c698826a923c04
These objectives position BRICS as a “non-Western” forum, as articulated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, fostering multipolarity without confrontation.ff8a28885849
Institutional Mechanisms and India’s Contributions
BRICS’ institutional framework, bolstered by India’s inputs, includes:
New Development Bank (NDB): Capitalized at $100 billion, headquartered in Shanghai. By
2025, it has financed 100+ projects worth $34-40 billion, emphasizing sustainable
infrastructure. India has 28 projects funded, including urban mobility and renewables,
totaling $10 billion.63be38 India advocates for social infrastructure lending.
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Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): A $100 billion liquidity pool for financial crises,
enhanced in 2025 with digital tools.57edfe
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Other Initiatives: BRICS Pay for local currency settlements, Multilateral Guarantee
Mechanism (piloted 2025), and the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025, guiding
cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation.bce2d40adb9c1aac00 India has driven
knowledge-sharing in competition policy, AI, and health.
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The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Summit: Outcomes and India’s Influence
Hosted by Brazil on July 6-7, 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Global South
Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the 17 th BRICS Summit
adopted 126 commitments across governance, finance, health, AI, climate, and
trade.915ff5b8158f1b1da0b8c09aed9a5e80f4e024fe2f3929cdd14820 Key outcomes
included:
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UNSC reform support, explicitly for Brazil and India.
Climate agenda: Calls for strengthened finance and a developing country platform for
carbon accounting.
Finance: Three declarations on de-dollarization progress, including BRICS Pay and
guarantees.
Health and AI: Commitments to collaborative governance.
Security: Condemnation of terrorism, aligning with India’s priorities.
Despite absences of Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi, the summit was
deemed successful in promoting cohesion.4664e8 India, represented by PM Modi,
emphasized multipolarity, Global South innovation, and counter-terrorism, while resisting
yuan dominance.fd3c7896e6c2297a8629d337879316e48b8a85976e07e664 The summit
paved the way for India’s 2026 presidency.
Bilateral Relations with BRICS Members and Partners: Agreements and Cooperation
India’s multi-alignment strategy manifests in robust bilateral ties within BRICS, often
elevated to strategic partnerships. Below is a detailed examination of relations with each
full member and key partner (Saudi Arabia), highlighting agreements, trade data, and
cooperation areas as of December 2025.
India-Brazil Relations: Elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, ties focus on trade,
defense, and energy.c9cfb40f1834 Bilateral trade reached $15 billion in 2024-25, with India
exporting pharmaceuticals and machinery, importing crude oil and soybeans. Key
agreements: 1978 Trade Agreement (MFN basis), 2020 Defense Cooperation Agreement,
and 2025 MoU on Biofuels during the Rio Summit. In BRICS, both advocate UNSC reform;
Brazil handed over presidency to India in December 2025.c8dcbfc28533f24a82 President
Lula’s potential 2026 visit signals deepened ties.
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India-Russia Relations: A “special and privileged strategic partnership” since 2010, with
annual summits.8a8a1daca9158c1ff9 Trade hit $65 billion in 2024-25, dominated by
energy (Russia supplies 40% of India’s oil) and defense (S-400 systems). Agreements: 2025
Joint Statement from 23rd Summit, 2021-2031 Defense Program, and national currency
settlements.397f3058ea82 In BRICS, cooperation extends to UN, G20, SCO; Russia
supports India’s UNSC bid.
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India-China Relations: Marked by rivalry amid cooperation, with border tensions easing via
2024 disengagement agreement.e1753d75d8c7 Trade: $118 billion in 2024-25, imbalanced
toward China. Agreements: 1954 Panchsheel, 2025 Foreign Ministers’ MoU on innovation;
China supports India’s 2026 BRICS presidency.f6e943 In BRICS, India balances China’s
influence, focusing on consensus; rivalry risks dysfunction but unity
prevails.9a2117985655
India-South Africa Relations: Post-apartheid ties, elevated via 1997 Red Fort
Declaration.f4d443e2aef7 Trade: $18 billion in 2024-25, in renewables and tech.
Agreements: 1993 Diplomatic Relations, 2025 MoU on Cultural Exchange. In BRICS, shared
Global South advocacy; people-to-people links strong.09687dea97cb89a1c3
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India-Egypt Relations: Strategic partnership since 2023.427f355c04d5 Trade: $6 billion
target by 2028. Agreements: 1978 Trade Agreement, 2025 Innovation MoU. Egypt supports
India’s BRICS presidency; cooperation in defense and sustainable
growth.9950243ea68e0d9079
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India-Ethiopia Relations: Elevated to strategic partnership in December
2025.759d189dd51762ff0a Trade: $550 million in 2024-25. Agreements: 2025 Package
(scholarships, trade), historical 1948 ties. Ethiopia is India’s second-largest African partner
in BRICS context.f9b476
India-Iran Relations: Historical, via Chabahar Port.e2a928dd0986 Trade: Potential $30
billion post-sanctions easing. Agreements: 1950 Diplomatic, 2016 Chabahar MoU. In
BRICS, oil imports resume; Iran gains from membership via India
ties.8a31810e32b14ac733
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India-UAE Relations: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
2022.2b3768 Trade: Exceeded $100 billion in 2024-25.db5614782383 Agreements: 2025
Trade Barrier Removal, IMEEC corridor. In BRICS, trilateral with Africa; UAE key for India’s
Gulf outreach.37f07154cf93
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India-Indonesia Relations: Strategic partnership since 2018, boosted by BRICS entry. Trade:
$25 billion. Agreements: 1950 Diplomatic, 2025 Defense MoU. Shared Indo-Pacific vision.
India-Saudi Arabia Relations (Partner): Beyond transactional, via energy (18% of India’s
oil).78e21e92438a Trade: $33 billion. Agreements: 2025 Visa-Free for Officials, Strategic
Partnership Council. In BRICS context, India encourages full
membership.c1e1709934a7fb3bb6
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Challenges in India’s BRICS Engagement
Heterogeneity among members poses consensus challenges; China’s dominance risks
marginalizing India.62f8b4 De-dollarization stalls, with no BRICS currency in 2025.50eb1b
External pressures like US sanctions on Russia/Iran complicate ties. Expansion dilutes
focus, but India mitigates through diplomacy.
Future Prospects: India’s 2026 Presidency
Assuming presidency January 1, 2026, India plans a “humanity-first” rebrand, prioritizing
digital economy, green transitions, and counter-terrorism.12e38a857bce7331f2 The 18th
Summit will reinforce multipolarity, amplifying Global South voices.
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Conclusion
India’s BRICS engagement exemplifies pragmatic navigation of multipolarity, fostering
equity and cooperation. Through bilateral ties, agreements, and institutional leadership,
India strengthens its global stature. As challenges persist, sustained diplomacy will ensure
BRICS’ relevance in reshaping world order.