It is important for India to preserve its credibility and strengthen its leadership within BRICS. For this it must take concrete steps that demonstrate its commitment to the Global South
In the last G 7 Summit, in addition to the seven member states, several other countries—including India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—were invited to participate. This may reflect a growing realization among the G 7 powers that their global dominance is no longer as unchallenged as it once was. As their influence gradually declines, they find it increasingly necessary to engage emerging powers. Yet, despite this changing reality, these countries continue to pursue a worldview rooted in an imperialist outlook.
The establishment of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of the decline of colonial and imperial domination. By the middle of the twentieth century, most countries had achieved political independence. However, they continued to face enormous developmental and security challenges because their economies had been systematically exploited under colonial rule, while they were denied the opportunity to build independent security structures. During this period, the developing world came together through the Non-Aligned Movement, creating new possibilities for cooperation, peace, and development.
Around 1990, following the disintegration of the socialist camp, the global balance of power shifted dramatically. The United States emerged as the sole self-proclaimed superpower and sought to advance a unipolar, imperialist agenda. However, recent developments, particularly following the U.S. attack on Iran and its inability to extricate itself from the resulting conflict, have significantly weakened America’s global standing. Its principal ally in West Asia, Israel, has also suffered a decline in international legitimacy. Israel is now viewed by many not only as an aggressor but also as a state accused of committing genocide, with its conduct facing serious scrutiny in international institutions.
At the same time, the growing strategic partnership between Russia and China points towards the emergence of a new international order. Today’s world is neither that of the Soviet era nor of the Non-Aligned Movement. Nevertheless, BRICS has opened new possibilities for developing countries to strengthen cooperation and pursue development through mutual partnership.
Another important development has been China’s rapid rise as both an economic and military power. Pakistan’s international profile has also improved owing to its reported role in facilitating discussions related to a possible understanding between Iran and the United States. A country that had largely lost its economic credibility and geopolitical relevance has once again found itself attracting international attention.
Meanwhile, India’s traditional image as a global advocate of peace has weakened considerably. For more than a decade, India has steadily strengthened its strategic relationship with the United States. Yet U.S. President Donald Trump does not appear to attach any special significance to India. His statements following Operation Sindoor, his threats to impose tariffs on Indian goods, and the emphasis on safeguarding American interests during India-U.S. trade negotiations all reflect this reality.
The speech delivered by the Prime Minister of India in the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, during his visit to Israel on 25 February 2026 reinforced the perception among many observers that India stands firmly with the Israeli government despite widespread international criticism of its actions in Gaza. Meanwhile defence cooperation between the two countries remains a major priority. At the same time, India’s enormous population and expanding market ensure that no major global power can afford to ignore it.
However, the manner in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted himself during his meeting with President Trump at the G7 Summit has, in my opinion, diminished both his personal stature and India’s international image. It has strengthened the perception that India’s foreign policy is becoming increasingly aligned with U.S. strategic interests. This perception is further reinforced by India’s changing approach towards purchasing Russian oil in response to American pressure. Another important issue is the G7’s unequivocal support for Ukraine. In such circumstances, what position will India ultimately adopt?
This year, India will host the BRICS Summit as it assumes the organisation’s rotating chairmanship. Against the backdrop of these geopolitical contradictions, India’s role at the summit will be closely watched. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already stated that India often supports the American position within BRICS, and the Indian government has not publicly challenged this assertion. This naturally raises questions about the degree of confidence that other BRICS members and countries of the Global South will place in India. It also remains uncertain whether Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will personally attend the summit. It should also be remembered that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year.
It is important for India to preserve its credibility and strengthen its leadership within BRICS. For this it must take concrete steps that demonstrate its commitment to the Global South. This includes promoting alternatives to the U.S. dollar in international trade, advocating collective security arrangements independent of imperialist powers, and formulating stronger frameworks for trade and development among developing countries. Only time will reveal how effectively the present Indian government responds to these challenges. However, the direction India chooses must be determined now.
Dr Arun Mitra – MBBS; MS, President – Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and Former Co-President – International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).
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