In a world shifting steadily toward multipolarity, the year 2025 marks a turning point in global geopolitics—and India is at the heart of it. With the BRICS alliance expanding from 5 to 11 member nations, India has not only welcomed this strategic enlargement but also played a pivotal role in shaping its direction and purpose.
The inclusion of major Global South economies like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and Indonesia reflects an effort to challenge Western-dominated institutions and offer a new voice to emerging nations. The expanded BRICS now represents over 45% of the world’s population, controls vast energy resources, and seeks to reform global governance—from finance to technology.
India’s endorsement of the BRICS expansion is not just symbolic—it is a calculated geopolitical move. For New Delhi, the broader coalition opens doors to energy partnerships, regional influence, and a renewed push for South-South cooperation. But what does this mean for the average citizen of the Global South? How does this reshape global power equations, trade, and diplomacy?
This article explores India’s role in BRICS 2025, the motivations behind the expansion, and the far-reaching implications for emerging economies around the world.
1. Bold Move in BRICS Expansion in Context: BRICS Goes Global
BRICS—initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has recently expanded to 11 full members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia joined between 2024–2025. This expansion transforms BRICS into a powerhouse that now:
- Represents ~45–50% of the world population
- Commands ≈ 37–40% of global GDP by PPP
- Controls nearly 42% of global oil production
At the 17th Summit in Rio (July 6–7, 2025), member states reaffirmed intentions to reform global governance, strengthen the Global South, and reduce dependency on Western-dominated systems.
2. Why India Supports Expansion
a. Elevating the Global South
Prime Minister Modi has consistently highlighted the need for a “people-centric, humanity-first” approach within BRICS. Expansion bolsters the bloc’s voice, giving larger representation from Africa and the Middle East in multilateral forums.
b. Strategic Leverage
New entrants include major energy suppliers—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran—strengthening India’s energy security posture. This enhances bargaining power and creates opportunities for favorable trade in oil/gas .
Additionally, nations like Egypt and Ethiopia open new trade corridors for Indian exports in textiles, machinery, and tech.
c. Multipolar Balancing Act
India aims to shape BRICS without succumbing to China’s influential sway. With its multi-aligned foreign policy, India navigates between Western alliances (G7, Quad) and Global South partnerships, carving out a leadership role within BRICS.
In Rio, India secured pragmatic outcomes—advancing de-dollarization, discussing BRICS Pay, and creating the Multilateral Guarantee Mechanism under the NDB.
3. Key BRICS 2025 Agenda Items
a. Global Governance Reform
BRICS demands accelerated reforms at the UN, IMF, and World Bank, lamenting outdated power structures.
b. Financial Infrastructure & De-dollarization
The bloc linked 11 members through proposals like BRICS Pay, expanded NDB role, and local currency trade settlements—though a common currency remains off the table.
c. South–South Cooperation
Emphasis on shared projects in renewable energy, AI ethics, climate finance, and digital inclusion came to the forefront.
4. Implications for the Global South
Empowered Voice
BRICS expansion empowers countries historically sidelined by the Global North, enhancing their influence over international institutions.
Alternatives to Western Finance
With a stronger NDB and CRAs, BRICS offers viable funding for development projects independent of Western-led IMF/World Bank systems.
Trade & Currency Diversification
Local currency settlements reduce exposure to dollar volatility and Western sanctions—crucial during crises.
Economies of Scale
A unified BRICS supports shared supply chains, infrastructure development, and technology exchange, promoting inclusive growth across emerging markets.
5. Challenges to Cohesion
Divergent Interests
The bloc combines democracies and autocracies, creating friction—especially over positions regarding global conflicts.
Risk of Chinese Dominance
With China’s ambitious expansion agenda, India and others worry about overshadowing and ideological drift.
Internal Disunity
Recent Rio summit saw no joint ministerial communique, hinting at internal discord.
External pressure—like Xi and Putin missing the summit—reflects political unity strains.
6. Strategic Balance & India’s Leverage
Bridge Between East and West
India’s blend of frontline technology and diplomatic ties to the West make it a natural mediator within BRICS, managing China and Russia’s influence.
Leadership under BRICS Chairmanship 2026
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, positioning it to set agendas on climate, finance, AI governance, and South–South cooperation.
Agendas to Push
- Climate justice & renewable funding
- AI ethics (“AI for All”)
- Critical mineral & supply chain resilience
- Enhanced digital public goods
All align with Modi’s India-first development narrative.
7. Western Pushback
BRICS expansion prompts reaction:
- US tariffs threatened if BRICS moves away from the dollar.
- Western media warnings suggest the bloc may dilute its mission into a geopolitical tool.
This underscores how BRICS challenges the status quo in the Global North.
8. Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Global South
India’s proactive stance on BRICS expansion in 2025 signals a shift toward more inclusive, multipolar global governance. Key takeaways:
- Stronger Global South voice in global institutions
- Alternative financial systems with regional benefits
- Enhanced intra-BRICS trade & energy security
- Diplomatic balancing act between Western alignment and Global South solidarity
However, obstacles—internal diversity, Chinese leadership, Western resistance—must be managed.
With India steering the bloc in 2026, it has a rare opportunity to promote people-centric, sustainable, and equitable policies across geographies.