Source: The post India balances BRICS Quad and neighbours through strategic realism has been created, based on the article “Nuts and bolts diplomacy” published in “Indian Express” on 2nd July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: India’s Prime Minister multi-nation tour, focused on the BRICS summit in Brazil, offers scope for advancing bilateral relations with several nations. However, growing global and regional uncertainties demand a shift from broad ideological aims to protecting India’s core interests through pragmatic diplomacy.
For detailed information on India’s strategic involvement in both the Quad and BRICS read this article here
Shifting Realities of BRICS Engagement
- Declining Appeal of BRICS: BRICS, once seen as a platform to reshape global governance, is now struggling with internal contradictions. Tensions between India and China and Argentina’s refusal to join highlight the forum’s diminishing relevance.
- China’s Growing Influence in BRICS: The power imbalance between India and China has become evident. China’s assertive posture limits meaningful cooperation within BRICS and exposes India to long-term strategic challenges.
- From Ideals to Realities: Despite an expanded membership and broader agenda, BRICS remains weak in delivering tangible outcomes. India is now prioritising practical cooperation over ideological symbolism.
The Rise and Risks of Multi-Alignment
- Strategic Balancing Between Powers: India’s “multi-alignment” strategy seeks to engage both BRICS and the Quad. This reflects its aim to navigate complex global power dynamics.
- Rising Costs of Flexibility: The assumption that India can balance global rivalries without consequence is being tested. India’s relations with both the US and China have faced setbacks.
- Early Expectations, Harsh Lessons: Modi’s initial optimism with China faded after repeated border clashes. In contrast, India’s partnership with the US has gained depth amid rising tensions with Beijing.
Evolving Great Power Dynamics
- Shifting Strategic Landscape: Russia’s tilt toward China—especially after the 2014 Crimea annexation and the 2022 Ukraine invasion—has weakened its role as a regional balancer for India.
- Quad’s Strategic Importance: The Quad has become central to India’s geopolitical strategy. It offers a stronger platform to respond to China’s assertiveness, despite its own internal challenges.
- Unpredictability in US Policy: Trump’s transactional approach—emphasising defence spending and trade deals—has caused friction with allies. His openness to a deal with China adds to the Quad’s uncertainty.
India’s Neighbourhood and Regional Concerns
- China’s Regional Consolidation: China is building strategic partnerships in South Asia, especially with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is also forming regional platforms outside SAARC.
- Weakening of SAARC: With SAARC largely inactive, China is stepping in to reshape regional cooperation through trilateral and Indian Ocean forums, limiting India’s influence.
- Strategic Competition in Modi’s Destinations: China is expanding its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, and Namibia—nations on Modi’s itinerary—through trade and investment. These countries seek practical cooperation over ideology.
Way Forward for India
- Strengthening from Within: India must focus on domestic reforms, building political unity, and enhancing institutional strength to face global challenges.
- Reclaiming Regional Leadership: To counter China’s growing footprint, India should rebuild regional ties and reassert its leadership role in South Asia.
- Forging Practical Partnerships: India must deepen cooperation with key developing nations in trade, technology, and defence, focusing on substance over slogans.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s evolving geopolitical strategy reflects a shift from ideological alignments to pragmatic diplomacy in response to global and regional uncertainties.
