Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has established itself as a powerful player in the BRICS alliance, using the forum to increase its economic clout and geopolitical sway. India’s goal to establish itself as a global superpower by 2025 is reflected in Modi’s BRICS program, which calls for multilateral collaboration, economic diplomacy, and strategic initiatives. This article explores India’s changing approach within BRICS and assesses how Modi’s leadership is influencing the country’s ascent internationally.
Strategic Imperatives: India’s Vision for BRICS
Strengthening India’s position as the Global South’s leader is at the heart of Modi’s BRICS goal. Aware of Russia’s strategic shift towards Asia and China’s dominant stance, India aims to establish a multipolar global order in which developing nations can claim their own sovereignty and development priorities. Modi’s BRICS strategy highlights:
- Institutional Reforms: Promoting BRICS’ increased representation in organizations that oversee global governance, such as the UN and IMF.
- Technological Leadership: Promoting innovation and digital transformation as instruments for South-South collaboration.
- Economic Diplomacy: BRICS countries’ trade and investment flows should be improved in order to lessen their reliance on Western economies.
- Geopolitical Balance: Forming strategic alliances with Latin America and Africa in order to oppose China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Economic Diplomacy: Expanding India’s Influence
Making India a key contributor in development finance has been one of Modi’s greatest accomplishments within the BRICS. India has supported initiatives through the New Development Bank (NDB) that support its foreign policy objectives, such as financing infrastructure development in Brazil and renewable energy projects in South Africa.
With preferential trade agreements and targeted investments, India’s trade with BRICS nations has also increased dramatically. The India-Russia North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Indian ports to Russia through Iran, is an example of how BRICS cooperation improves economic integration and strategic connectivity.
Technological Leadership: A digital revolution
India’s ambition to become a worldwide center of technology is in line with Modi’s BRICS digital diplomacy vision. The creation of the BRICS Digital Innovation Network, led by India, encourages cooperation in the fields of cybersecurity, finance, and artificial intelligence. With the support of domestic companies like Reliance Jio, India is leading the way in the deployment of 5G infrastructure, setting a standard for digital sovereignty in the Global South.
By utilising India’s proficiency in digital payment systems like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the India-Brazil Digital Partnership also seeks to improve financial inclusion and e-governance. This strategy not only improves bilateral relations but also establishes India as a leader in developing countries’ digital development.
Countering Chinese hegemony
Modi has refocused India’s strategy by forming alliances with like-minded nations in response to China’s resounding economic domination within the BRICS. China’s power within the bloc is lessened by India’s expanding alliances with South Africa and Brazil as well as its security cooperation with Russia.
For instance, India’s pledge to invest in renewable energy in Africa challenges China’s hegemony in BRI infrastructure projects. India presents itself as a less invasive and more sustainable partner by encouraging technology transfer and local capacity building.
Strategic advocacy
The other members of the BRICS share India’s strategic support for revamping the institutions of global governance. Modi’s desire to reshape the post-World War II international order is demonstrated by his support for an expanded UN Security Council that would include permanent participation for Brazil and India. At the same time, the bloc supports proposals to change the World Bank and IMF to better reflect modern economic realities.
Challenges and the road abroad
Despite being ambitious, India’s BRICS policy under Modi confronts many obstacles. Furthermore, BRICS nations’ economic differences may make it more difficult to work together. In order to overcome these obstacles, Modi’s government needs to maintain economic expansion, form strong partnerships, and never stop pushing for a more equitable international system. One indication of India’s ambitions to become a powerhouse is Modi’s BRICS goal for 2025. Modi wants to turn India from a regional power into a powerhouse on a global scale by strategically using BRICS as a platform for digital leadership, economic diplomacy, and geopolitical balance. Navigating intricate intra-BRICS dynamics and maintaining India’s economic momentum in a world that is changing quickly are necessary to realize this objective, though.
