India’s BRICS Bet: Multipolarity Without Bloc Politics
At the 18th BRICS Summit, India is positioning the grouping as a platform for multipolar cooperation rather than another rigid geopolitical bloc. In an Economic Times commentary, former Foreign Secretary Harsh V. Shringla argues that India can use BRICS to expand its strategic space while advancing practical cooperation among diverse emerging economies.
BRICS now has 11 members and represents close to half of the world’s population. India’s approach emphasizes strategic autonomy and cooperation in areas where members can find common ground, rather than requiring alignment on every geopolitical issue.
The priorities include development, technology, health, food and energy security, counter-terrorism and reform of global governance—areas where BRICS could deliver tangible benefits despite political differences among members.
BRICS now has 11 members and represents close to half of the world’s population. India’s approach emphasizes strategic autonomy and cooperation in areas where members can find common ground, rather than requiring alignment on every geopolitical issue.
The priorities include development, technology, health, food and energy security, counter-terrorism and reform of global governance—areas where BRICS could deliver tangible benefits despite political differences among members.
2006: BRIC cooperation begins
2009: First BRIC leaders’ summit
2011: South Africa joins, creating BRICS
2024–25: Major expansion transforms the grouping
2026: India assumes its fourth BRICS chairship and hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Written by: Harsh V. Shringla, former Foreign Secretary of India
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1. economictimes.indiatimes.comView Original
