WALKING A TIGHTROPE
The larger take a look at, nonetheless, can be balancing the bloc’s inner politics whereas managing stress from outdoors.
India should preserve BRICS positioned as pro-International South, whereas participating Washington.
If India succeeds in protecting the group aligned in 2026, it may form how the International South wields affect in an more and more divided world.
A key variable in India’s presidency can be its relationship with China.
Ties between the 2 Asian giants have proven indicators of thawing since 2024, however mistrust stays.
Complicating issues additional are Beijing’s ties with Islamabad, which New Delhi accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
However specialists imagine each side may put aside their variations for the bigger collective curiosity.
“I believe it’s an open secret that China’s help for Pakistani insurance policies does create issues,” mentioned Rajiv Bhatia, distinguished fellow of the international coverage research programme at think-tank Gateway Home.
“However inside BRICS, with regards to growing frequent positions, I believe China basically cooperates with the opposite members.”
One other headwind is the tariff regime beneath United States President Donald Trump, who has threatened 100 per cent duties if BRICS makes an attempt to interchange the US greenback as a reserve forex.
New Delhi is assuming the bloc’s presidency at a time when it is usually attempting to strike a commerce take care of Washington and safe tariff concessions.
“The administration and the international workplace officers within the US should not vocal in both their criticism or their appreciation, however they acknowledge the truth that BRICS means no hurt to America,” mentioned Dogra.
“So far as Trump is anxious, he isn’t going to vary his views. So we now have to stay with that.”
