India’s Global Leadership Through G20 And BRICS

India’s leadership of the G20 and BRICS has highlighted its commitment to multilateralism and its efforts to bridge the divide between developed and developing nations. This article examines how India’s approach to these forums reflects its broader foreign policy objectives and its aspirations for a more equitable global order.

India’s G20 Leadership: A Diplomatic Test

India led the G20 from December 2022 to November 2023 amid global tensions.
The main challenge was hosting the summit and securing a joint statement despite divisions between the West and Russia.
There was also a focus on bridging the gap between developed and developing nations.
India aimed to enhance its global influence through this leadership.
Most observers believe India successfully achieved these goals.

Spotlight On BRICS Amid G20 Success

India’s G20 success drew attention to its role in BRICS, another multilateral forum.
BRICS has seen increased interest from developing nations, seeking alternatives to Western-led platforms.
Concerns have arisen about BRICS’ future due to its lack of a formal agenda and tensions, especially between China and India.
Understanding India’s approach to both G20 and BRICS is key to grasping its broader diplomatic strategy.

India’s Dual Engagement With G20 And BRICS

India’s involvement in G20 and BRICS is interconnected, with both organisations emerging in the early 21st century.
Initially, India was cautious about the G20, fearing Global South members might be treated as junior partners by more powerful nations.
BRICS, a coalition of non-Western countries poised for economic growth, appealed more to India’s advocacy for the Global South.
BRICS members also belonged to the G20, allowing them to push for global financial reforms and address inequality.

Challenges And Shifts In BRICS

Despite their efforts, BRICS countries’ calls for reform were largely ignored by the Western bloc in the G20.
This led BRICS members to consider alternative economic institutions, like the New Development Bank, established in 2014.
Internal disagreements, India-China border disputes, and Russia’s military actions strained BRICS relations.
These conflicts undermined trust, making it difficult for BRICS to collaborate on economic initiatives and reduce reliance on Western systems.

BRICS Versus G20: A Changing Focus For India

BRICS faced challenges due to a lack of cohesion in political values, governance, and economic interests.
As BRICS lost influence, India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shifted focus to multilateralism, with the G20 at the center.
India’s early skepticism of the G20 evolved into optimism, using the platform to showcase its leadership during global divisions.

Systemic Factors Behind India’s Embrace of the G20

US-China Rivalry: The rise of China and growing US-China tensions have weakened the global multilateral framework.
US Leadership Void: Under President Trump, the US became more inward-looking, leaving a vacuum that China seemed poised to fill.
India’s Response: Sensing an opportunity, India aimed to increase its influence in global institutions while resisting China’s dominance.
Strategic Alignment: India’s alignment with the US strengthened, particularly in multilateral forums like the Quad, to balance China’s power.
G20 Role: India saw itself as well-positioned to guide the world through the crisis of multilateralism by bridging gaps between the Global North and South.

G20 Presidency And BRICS: A Balancing Act

Comparison Box

India’s Strategic Balance: G20 vs. BRICS

G20

Showcasing Leadership

The G20 is India’s platform to demonstrate its global leadership during times of division, especially by bridging gaps between the Global North and South.

Strategic Alignment

India’s growing alignment with the US in the G20 and Quad reflects its commitment to balancing China’s influence on the world stage.

Economic Focus

Through the G20, India addresses key issues like economic growth and financial stability, reinforcing its role as a global economic leader.

Inclusivity Push

India’s success at the 2023 G20 Summit, especially in securing a permanent seat for the African Union, highlights its commitment to inclusivity and global cooperation.

BRICS

Advocating for the Global South

BRICS remains a crucial platform for India to push for reforms in global governance and advocate for the interests of developing nations.

Counterbalancing China

Despite challenges, BRICS allows India to maintain a strategic balance with China, preventing it from dominating the Global South.

Collaborative Initiatives

BRICS enables India to work with China on common economic goals, while still addressing broader geopolitical rivalries.

Strategic Influence

India’s role in guiding the recent BRICS expansion ensures a balanced approach, resisting the grouping from becoming overtly anti-Western.

G20 Success: The G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023 was considered a success, with India praised for promoting inclusivity, including the African Union’s permanent seat.
BRICS vs. G20: Some suggest India should focus on the G20 and quit BRICS, but this would undermine India’s strategic interests.
BRICS Role: Despite challenges, BRICS remains crucial for India to advocate for developing nations and push for reforms in global governance.
Complementary Engagements: BRICS complements India’s involvement in other multilateral institutions, offering a platform to collaborate with China on common goals while balancing power dynamics.

Importance Of BRICS In India’s Strategy

Global South Advocacy: BRICS allows India to continue advocating for the Global South, a key part of its foreign policy.
Balancing China: India’s influence is crucial in preventing BRICS from becoming an anti-Western, pro-China group.
New Members: India shares good relations with new BRICS members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, who are likely to resist an anti-Western stance.
Historical Role: India has long positioned itself as a leader of the Global South, but China’s investments in institutions like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization challenge this.
Equality Principle: Unlike other forums dominated by China, BRICS is based on equality, making India’s continued involvement essential to maintaining balance in the Global South.

Source: G-20, BRICS, and India’s Quest for Global South Leadership