By Countdown to BRICS Summit 2025: India’s Strategic Agenda and Diplomatic Stakes
Introduction
As the world watches the lead-up to the BRICS Summit 2025, scheduled for 6–7 July in Brazil, India is preparing to play a significant diplomatic role. With a sharpened focus on digital currency coordination, Global South representation, and UN Security Council reform, India is not only asserting its geopolitical priorities but also seeking to shape the emerging global order.
The summit, involving Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has grown beyond its original economic intent into a strategic bloc of increasing relevance. This topic is especially important for UPSC aspirants, with applications across GS Paper II (International Relations) and Essay Paper, particularly in questions related to multilateralism, diplomacy, and global governance.
What Is BRICS and Why It Matters
BRICS is an acronym for a group of five major emerging economies. Formed officially in 2009, BRICS represents:
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Over 40% of the world’s population
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About 25% of global GDP
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A powerful alternative voice in global institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO
Over time, the grouping has expanded its focus to include:
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Sustainable development
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Energy cooperation
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Counter-terrorism
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Financial alternatives like the New Development Bank (NDB)
Theme and Focus Areas of BRICS Summit 2025
This year’s summit, hosted in Brasília, carries the theme:
“Rebuilding Equitable Multilateralism: Voices of the Global South”
India’s key focus areas include:
1. Digital Currency Cooperation
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Push for interoperability among BRICS digital currencies
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Explore blockchain infrastructure to bypass dollar dominance in trade
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Support for the Digital BRICS Pay pilot program
2. UN Security Council Reform
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India continues to advocate for expansion and democratization of the UNSC
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Calls for permanent representation of developing nations, especially from Africa and Asia
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India’s claim as a responsible power and voice of the Global South
3. New Development Bank (NDB) Expansion
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India seeks greater capital infusion and faster disbursement of climate and infrastructure loans
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Push for greater rupee-based transactions to reduce dependence on hard currencies
4. Technology and Innovation
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Proposal for a BRICS Innovation Network
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India to highlight its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model for adoption across Global South nations
India’s Diplomatic Stakes
India’s presence at BRICS 2025 is crucial due to:
A. China’s Expanding Influence
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India seeks to counterbalance China’s dominance in BRICS decisions
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Emphasis on multipolar leadership and equity
B. Global South Leadership
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India is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing countries
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Strong focus on development finance, trade equity, and health security
C. Strategic Autonomy
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As part of its multi-alignment policy, India uses BRICS to strengthen partnerships outside the Western bloc
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Builds leverage in other forums like G20, QUAD, and SCO
Criticism and Challenges
Despite progress, BRICS faces several internal and external issues:
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Geopolitical tensions between India and China
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Questions about BRICS cohesion and decision-making
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Limited implementation of past initiatives
India will aim to address these by:
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Encouraging issue-based cooperation
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Supporting institutional reform within BRICS mechanisms
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
GS Paper II – International Relations
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India’s foreign policy and multilateral diplomacy
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Role of regional and global groupings in governance
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India’s stand on UNSC reforms and global equity
Essay Paper
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“India and the Changing Global Order”
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“Multilateralism in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities”
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“Global South and the Future of Diplomacy”
Interview & Mains
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India’s role in alternative global institutions
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The future of BRICS in a multipolar world
Conclusion
The BRICS Summit 2025 presents a vital opportunity for India to reinforce its role as a key diplomatic player in global governance. With its strong pitch for financial reform, equity, and South-South cooperation, India aims to shape a more inclusive and representative multilateral order.
As future civil servants and policy thinkers, UPSC aspirants must grasp the evolving role of platforms like BRICS and understand how they fit into India’s larger strategic framework.
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