BRICS at 20: India faces test of balancing geopolitical divides with economic goals

Source: The Economic Times | Original Published At: 2026-09-09 01:37:00 UTC

Key Points

• India is set to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, marking the grouping's 20-year milestone.
• Former diplomats describe India's role as a bridge between BRICS and Western nations amid geopolitical tensions.
• Speakers caution that reforming the global order should avoid replacing one dominant power with another, including through de-dollarization efforts.
• The summit's agenda is portrayed as favoring practical cooperation in economic growth, technology sharing, trade, financial cooperation, MSMEs, and WTO support.
• Digital Public Infrastructure is highlighted as a concrete area where India can drive tangible BRICS outcomes, citing UPI and MoUs with other countries.