NewKerala.com

India's BRICS Leadership Test: Balancing US Ties and Global South Ambitions

India's presidency of BRICS this year presents a major challenge in managing relations with the United States, which has imposed high tariffs on members like India and Brazil. New Delhi aims to use the platform to promote the interests of the Global South and reform global governance. Unlike other members, India seeks a non-confrontational approach with Washington while advocating for the bloc to address trade imbalances. Prime Minister Modi has framed BRICS as a strength for promoting a multipolar world order.

Key Points: India's BRICS Presidency Faces US Pressure Challenge

  • Balancing US & BRICS priorities
  • Championing Global South voice
  • Promoting multilateral reform
  • Handling US tariff pressures
3 min read

Handling US pressure, resulting ripple effects major challenge for India's BRICS leadership

As BRICS chair, India aims to champion the Global South while navigating US tariffs and internal bloc divisions between strategic partners and rivals.

"India avoids taking a confrontational approach with Washington - India Narrative report"

New Delhi, Jan 10

India's primary challenge lies in balancing its foreign policy priorities between the US and BRICS, particularly as several members of the bloc are under increasing scrutiny from Washington. While India views BRICS as a means to uphold the multilateral world order, other members, such as Russia and China, consider it a geostrategic tool to counterbalance the USA, a report detailed on Friday.

According to a report in the India Narrative, India's current US policy, driven by national interest, differs from that of other BRIC members on this issue.

"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," the report detailed.

"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," it added.

The report stated that India's BRICS presidency will focus on promoting multilateralism, with a commitment to reform and improve global governance to create 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," it mentioned.

The major challenge to India's presidency, the report said, will be handling US pressure and the resulting ripple effects within the group.

"The USA initially imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India and Brazil, the highest among the BRICS members, triggering grievances in the group. Nevertheless, India avoids taking a confrontational approach with Washington over the issue, unlike Brazil, which threatened retaliation against the 'tariff blackmail'," it stated.

"Instead, New Delhi insists that BRICS members address their trade imbalances with New Delhi. Indeed, BRICS appears as an alternative for the non-Western world, relieving developing countries of the need to grovel to the West for economic assistance. It commensurates with India's traditional policy of empowering the weaker lot in international affairs," it further noted.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, India is in a position to lead! The focus on the 5 Cs for the Global South is brilliant. For too long, developing nations have been dictated to by the West. This presidency is a chance to reform global governance from within. Hope we use it well.
V
Vikram M
The US tariffs are a real problem. But India's approach of asking BRICS members to address trade imbalances with us is smart. Why should we fight America's battles if China and Russia benefit more from intra-BRICS trade? Let's put our national interest first, always.
S
Sarah B
As an observer from the US, I find India's balancing act fascinating. It's a true test of multi-alignment. If anyone can navigate these pressures while advocating for development, it's probably India. Their G20 presidency showed they can build consensus.
R
Rohit P
I have a respectful criticism. Sometimes our foreign policy seems too cautious. Brazil threatened retaliation on tariffs, we just talk about imbalances. We need to show more strength. The world respects power. We must lead BRICS, not just manage it.
N
Nisha Z
The core idea is empowering the weaker nations. That's our traditional stance and it's the right one. BRICS shouldn't become an anti-US club led by China. India's role is to keep it focused on development, finance, and giving the Global South its rightful place. Jai Hind!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50