Strategic Autonomy in Motion as India Hosts Brics Summit

The upcoming Brics summit in New Delhi is a critical test of India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and multialignment. The gathering brings together 11 major emerging economies, including the UAE and Iran, which have competing interests on regional issues. This presents a challenge for India: drafting a resolution that addresses these concerns without alienating either country.

India’s decision to host the summit comes at an interesting time, with the country still reeling from a tariff dispute with the US. The dispute has exposed the fragility of India’s economic relationships with major powers, making it crucial for India to showcase its leadership credentials in the Global South. By working with other emerging markets to push for reforms in institutions like the UNSC, IMF, and World Bank, India can assert its influence on global politics.

One of the key issues facing India at Brics is forging a consensus on West Asia. The UAE and Iran have differing positions on regional issues, which will likely be contentious. To navigate this complex landscape, India must balance its relations with both countries while also addressing the concerns of other member states.

India’s relationship with China is another significant challenge. While the two countries share a complex history, Beijing enjoys economic leverage over other members, which could compromise India’s ability to shape the Brics agenda. To mitigate this risk, India will need to work closely with Beijing on shared objectives while avoiding any appearance of acquiescing to China’s dominance.

India has an opportunity to draw confidence from its previous diplomatic successes at G20 and Brics. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 was a significant step towards bridging the gap between the West-led global order and the emerging Global South. Moreover, India’s compromise language on Ukraine allowed a G20 declaration, demonstrating its ability to navigate complex global issues.

As India prepares for the summit, it must focus on delivering an outcome-oriented gathering that addresses the needs of all member countries. This means producing a unanimous Brics declaration, developing logistics supply-chain cooperation frameworks, and creating incubator/startup networks to promote economic growth. By doing so, India can reinforce its commitment to strategic autonomy and multialignment while also showcasing its leadership credentials in the Global South.

Ultimately, the success of the Brics summit will depend on India’s ability to balance competing interests and forge a consensus among member countries. If it succeeds, India will have taken a significant step towards consolidating its position as a major player in global politics.