📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
International
India seeks neutral leadership of BRICS, China warns stance unsustainable
✍️ ThePrint
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 07:46 AM
👁 4
India has expressed a desire to guide BRICS while remaining non‑aligned, a position that Beijing says is unlikely to endure.
New Delhi has indicated that it wishes to assume a leading role in the BRICS grouping without aligning itself with any particular side, emphasizing a policy of strategic autonomy. The stance reflects India's effort to balance its economic and security interests while supporting a multilateral framework that does not hinge on geopolitical blocs.
Indian officials said the approach aims to keep BRICS cohesive and to foster cooperation on issues such as trade, technology and climate, without being drawn into rival power confrontations. By positioning itself as a neutral facilitator, New Delhi hopes to enhance its diplomatic weight on the global stage.
Chinese representatives, however, have publicly questioned the durability of India's position, arguing that a non‑aligned leadership is difficult to sustain within a bloc that includes divergent strategic partners. The Chinese commentary suggests that without a clear alignment, India's role could face internal friction and external pressure.
Analysts note that the differing views could shape the future dynamics of BRICS, as member states weigh the balance between independence and collective cohesion.
Indian officials said the approach aims to keep BRICS cohesive and to foster cooperation on issues such as trade, technology and climate, without being drawn into rival power confrontations. By positioning itself as a neutral facilitator, New Delhi hopes to enhance its diplomatic weight on the global stage.
Chinese representatives, however, have publicly questioned the durability of India's position, arguing that a non‑aligned leadership is difficult to sustain within a bloc that includes divergent strategic partners. The Chinese commentary suggests that without a clear alignment, India's role could face internal friction and external pressure.
Analysts note that the differing views could shape the future dynamics of BRICS, as member states weigh the balance between independence and collective cohesion.