India faces a significant challenge in balancing its foreign policy between the U.S. and BRICS, particularly as scrutiny from Washington increases on several member nations.
NEW DELHI — India’s foremost challenge in its international relations is navigating the delicate balance between its foreign policy priorities with the United States and its leadership role within BRICS. This balancing act is particularly critical as several BRICS member countries are under increasing scrutiny from Washington.
While India perceives BRICS as a platform to uphold a multilateral world order, other member nations, notably Russia and China, view it as a strategic tool to counterbalance U.S. influence. This divergence in perspectives complicates India’s position as it assumes the presidency of BRICS this year.
According to a report from the India Narrative, India’s current approach to U.S. relations, which is primarily driven by national interests, differs significantly from that of its BRICS counterparts. The report highlights that amid competing global interests, trade tensions, and the U.S. tariff imposition, India is poised to leverage its BRICS presidency to advocate for the interests of the Global South.
During its presidency, India aims to endorse the demands of developing nations for a more equitable representation in the global financial system and a stronger voice in international affairs. Historically, India has championed the aspirations of the marginalized nations, and this presidency offers an opportunity to reaffirm that commitment.
The report emphasizes that India will focus on strengthening Global South cooperation, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and fostering collaboration among BRICS members. This aligns with the principles outlined in the 2025 BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which advocates for the “5 Cs” for the Global South: consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building.
India’s presidency will also prioritize the promotion of multilateralism and the reform of global governance structures to create a more just, equitable, and effective international system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of collaboration with diverse partners, highlighting initiatives such as India’s G20 presidency and various development partnerships.
Modi has referred to BRICS as a significant asset for India, enhancing confidence in promoting diversity and multipolarity on the global stage. He views the platform as instrumental in navigating the current geopolitical pressures.
However, the major challenge facing India’s BRICS presidency will be managing U.S. pressure and its ripple effects within the bloc. The U.S. has previously imposed a 50 percent tariff on both India and Brazil, the highest among BRICS nations, which has sparked grievances within the group.
Despite these tensions, India has opted for a non-confrontational approach with Washington, contrasting with Brazil’s more aggressive stance, which included threats of retaliation against what it termed “tariff blackmail.” Instead, India advocates for BRICS members to address their trade imbalances with New Delhi, emphasizing a cooperative rather than confrontational strategy.
BRICS serves as an alternative for the non-Western world, providing developing countries with a platform that alleviates the need to rely on Western nations for economic assistance. This approach aligns with India’s longstanding policy of empowering weaker nations in international affairs.
As India navigates its presidency, the interplay between its relationships with the U.S. and BRICS will be closely watched, with implications for both its foreign policy and the broader geopolitical landscape.
According to India Narrative, India’s ability to balance these competing interests will be a crucial test of its leadership within BRICS.