By India’s Evolving Role in BRICS 2025: Strategic Interests, Challenges & Future Vision
As the world witnesses major shifts in geopolitical dynamics, the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) continues to gain momentum as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions. With the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, recent meetings — including the Foreign Ministers’ gathering in mid-June — highlight India’s expanding influence and strategic direction within the bloc.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding India’s role in BRICS is crucial for GS Paper II (International Relations) and for essay writing, as the themes of multipolarity, south-south cooperation, and global governance reform are becoming increasingly central to India’s foreign policy.
🌐 What Is BRICS?
BRICS represents a coalition of emerging economies that seek to enhance cooperation in areas of trade, development finance, technology, security, and geopolitical strategy. Collectively, the BRICS nations:
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Account for over 40% of the world’s population
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Contribute nearly 30% of global GDP
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Control significant energy, agriculture, and mineral resources
India’s Key Objectives in BRICS 2025
✅ 1. Promoting a Multipolar Global Order
India advocates for a multipolar world where power is decentralized and distributed more equitably. BRICS serves as a platform to voice concerns of the Global South, particularly on:
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UN Security Council reform
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WTO transparency
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Balanced development finance
Relevance: GS II – India’s role in global multilateral institutions
✅ 2. Financial Sovereignty & De-dollarisation
India supports trade in local currencies and efforts to reduce dependency on the US Dollar. At recent meetings, discussions included:
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BRICS payment systems
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Expansion of the New Development Bank (NDB)
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A potential common digital settlement platform
Relevance: GS III – Economic policy, financial inclusion
✅ 3. Technology & Innovation Collaboration
India is leveraging BRICS platforms to drive:
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Cooperation in AI regulation, digital public infrastructure, and cybersecurity
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Common frameworks for ethical use of technology
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Shared innovation in climate-resilient agriculture and health tech
✅ 4. Energy & Climate Leadership
As part of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and commitments under the Paris Agreement, India emphasized:
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Collaboration on renewable energy
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BRICS Green Fund
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Joint investments in sustainable urban transport and energy access
📉 Challenges India Faces Within BRICS
⚠️ 1. China’s Dominance
Geopolitical tensions, especially post-Galwan (2020), continue to shadow India-China dynamics. India remains cautious of China’s push to expand BRICS into a China-led bloc.
⚠️ 2. Divergence on Russia-Ukraine War
India maintains strategic neutrality, but BRICS must constantly navigate divergent foreign policy priorities among its members.
⚠️ 3. Credibility and Coordination
BRICS often suffers from slow implementation and limited institutional strength. India advocates for more structured follow-up and transparency mechanisms.
🔍 BRICS+ Expansion and India’s Calculated Approach
In 2024–25, six new countries joined BRICS+, including Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. India supports inclusive expansion but also:
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Insists on merit-based selection
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Opposes bloc-ization of BRICS into an anti-West alliance
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Wants to retain non-alignment and strategic autonomy
🧭 Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
📘 GS Paper II – International Relations
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BRICS in India’s foreign policy
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Global South’s role in multilateral diplomacy
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India’s leadership in South-South cooperation
📘 GS Paper III – Economy & Tech
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BRICS NDB and financial reform
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Digital currency diplomacy
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AI, fintech, and climate-tech cooperation
✍️ Essay/Interview Themes
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“Reimagining Global Governance in a Multipolar World”
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“India and the New Global South”
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“Can BRICS Challenge Western Dominance?”
🔚 Conclusion
India’s role in BRICS 2025 is one of balancing act and leadership—navigating internal differences while promoting a democratic, inclusive, and sustainable global order. As geopolitical fault lines widen, India is positioning itself as the bridge between global power blocs and developing nations, ensuring that its voice and values shape the new international architecture.
For aspirants preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams, BRICS is not just another grouping—it is a live case study of India’s diplomatic agility, strategic thinking, and global ambition.
Stay updated with JiGuruG for comprehensive analysis on such impactful developments.