India’s BRICS test in 2026: Balancing Washington and the Global South
India’s BRICS presidency in 2026: Can New Delhi balance the US while leading the Global South?
India officially assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026, after a ceremonial handover of the gavel from Brazil during the BRICS Sherpas’ meeting in Brasilia on December 12, 2025. BRICS, originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. India will now lead the group and host the 18th BRICS Summit later this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s priorities for the year, focusing on a “humanity-first” approach. He emphasized four core pillars for BRICS: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The aim is to make BRICS more development-oriented and people-focused, reflecting India’s commitment to the interests of the Global South.
India’s leadership comes at a crucial time, as the bloc is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to Western influence, particularly that of the United States. While BRICS includes China and Russia, which are often perceived as opposing US interests, India’s approach is different. New Delhi is expected to focus on development, trade, and cooperation, rather than taking positions that could directly clash with Washington.
India has experience managing such balancing acts, having chaired the G20 previously. During its G20 presidency, India actively promoted issues relevant to developing countries, including finance, climate action, and equitable access to technology. Similarly, under its BRICS presidency, India plans to highlight projects and policies that strengthen the Global South, such as improving trade ties, supporting infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable growth.
Balancing global south and relations with the us
India’s foreign policy aims to maintain a delicate balance between its global ambitions and existing strategic partnerships. Its ties with the United States have grown stronger over the years, particularly in defence, space, and science. Both countries share democratic values and converging regional interests, including concerns about stability in Asia. However, India–US relations have faced occasional tension, such as when former US President Donald Trump claimed to broker a peace deal between India and Pakistan—a claim India denied. Trade issues, including US tariffs on Indian goods, have also added friction.
At the same time, India engages with China and Russia through BRICS to advance trade, energy, and financial cooperation. By leading the bloc, New Delhi can address global challenges collectively while maintaining its independence in foreign policy. This approach allows India to avoid being caught in a strict US–China rivalry, giving it more diplomatic flexibility.
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India’s energy and trade decisions are also part of this balancing act. For example, India reduced imports of Russian oil after US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. This move helped ease tensions with Washington while ensuring India’s energy security. Similarly, BRICS provides a platform to negotiate and collaborate with China and Russia without compromising relations with the United States.
New Delhi’s BRICS agenda focuses on practical solutions for development and sustainability rather than controversial geopolitical conflicts. By prioritizing innovation, resilience, and cooperation, India aims to strengthen the bloc’s role in addressing challenges like climate change, global finance, and technology access.
India’s presidency also signals the country’s desire to lead the Global South on key issues such as economic equity, infrastructure development, and social welfare. With the expansion of BRICS, including several developing nations, India now has a larger platform to voice concerns about global inequality and the need for fairer trade and financial systems.
Experts believe that India’s leadership in BRICS could enhance its global influence while reinforcing its image as a responsible and strategic power. By promoting a “humanity-first” agenda, India is showing that it can bridge the interests of developing countries with those of major global players, ensuring dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
The BRICS presidency also provides India an opportunity to showcase domestic initiatives, such as advancements in technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development, as examples for other member nations. This could help strengthen partnerships within the bloc and boost India’s leadership credibility internationally.
In conclusion, India’s BRICS presidency in 2026 is not just about holding a ceremonial position. It reflects New Delhi’s ambition to lead the Global South, promote development-focused cooperation, and maintain balanced relations with global powers like the United States. By focusing on practical solutions and a people-centric approach, India is positioning itself as a bridge between major world powers and emerging nations, ensuring that BRICS continues to be a forum for dialogue, growth, and collaboration.
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