“India’s BRICS Test: Leadership in a World Divided”, India Narrative, January 09, 2026
“The 21st-century international relations are viewed in terms of the attrition of Western dominance and the simultaneous rise of the non-Western world. Eminent scholar Kishore Mahbubani, in his book The Asian 21st Century, highlights the return of Asian glory, driven by the huge economic and social advancement of Asian societies, especially India and China. And he cites India as one such country emerging as an independent pole, providing calm leadership in today’s turbulent geopolitical world. And the BRICS platform, comprising major non-Western powers such as Russia and China, along with India and South Africa, offers India the opportunity to play such a leadership role.
Amid competing global interests, trade tensions, and the US’ tariff onslaught, India is assuming the BRICS presidency this year. During its presidency, India gets the chance to promote the interests of the ‘Global South’ via BRICS, endorsing the demand of the developing world for their ‘rightful place’ in the global financial system and greater voice in world affairs. India has traditionally championed this desire of the neglected world. Therefore, it supported strengthening the Global South Cooperation, underlining inclusive and sustainable growth and cooperation as mentioned in the 2025 BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration. India has advocated for the 5 Cs‟ for the Global South: consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building, to promote collective progress.
Another area of focus of India’s BRICS presidency will be to promote multilateralism, committing to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, effective, and accountable international and multilateral system. India underscores the importance of collaboration with diverse partners, showcasing initiatives such as the G20 Presidency, development partnerships, and alliances, including BRICS. Thus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed BRICS as India’s greatest strength in boosting confidence in promoting diversity and multipolarity via the platform, which will be a guide in navigating the world through the pressures it faces currently……”
Read full article at indianarrative.com
