India's Multilateral Diplomacy
Balancing G7 and Global South
India occupies a unique position in global diplomacy — it is simultaneously an invited participant in G7 deliberations and the holder of the BRICS presidency, a forum dominated by China and Russia that positions itself as the voice of the Global South. This dual positioning is a deliberate strategic choice.
- India hosted the G20 presidency in 2023, using it to amplify Global South voices and secure the African Union's permanent membership in the G20 — a landmark achievement.
- India's foreign policy doctrine rests on "strategic autonomy" — maintaining independent foreign policy, not joining military alliances, and engaging all major power blocs.
- BRICS in 2024 expanded to include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina (though Argentina later withdrew), making it a more complex platform; India holds the 2026 presidency.
- India has consistently resisted joining any exclusive bloc that might constrain its foreign policy options.
- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), while now less prominent, established India's tradition of multi-directional engagement that continues today.
● Tracked since February 20, 2026 · last seen March 26, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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