Neither China’s Camp Nor America’s: What Will Delhi Gain From BRICS?

Source: प्रभात खबर | Original Published At: 2026-09-12 03:14:18 UTC

Key Points

• The BRICS summit in New Delhi will feature Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the same platform, highlighting India's multi-alignment diplomacy.
• India pursues strategic autonomy by engaging with the Quad and Western partners while also working with China and Russia through BRICS.
• BRICS expansion reflects both strengths and challenges because member states have different political systems, economic interests, and geopolitical positions.
• India's practical approach may be to advance BRICS cooperation in development finance, trade, technology, climate, and payment systems despite political differences.
• India's trade with BRICS has grown, but the trade deficit has also increased, especially due to dependence on Chinese components and intermediate goods.
• A common BRICS currency is not the same as local-currency trade or linked digital payment systems; India may focus on cross-border payment arrangements that reduce excessive dollar dependence.
• India's digital public infrastructure, digital payments experience, and New Development Bank engagement could support cooperation with the Global South.