India's BRICS Chairmanship: Balancing Moral Leadership with Strategic Interests

The Congress on Saturday (September 12, 2026) urged the Indian government to take “moral leadership” of BRICS and use its chairmanship to restore the diplomatic space and stature it had historically commanded as a voice of the Global South. Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, who heads the foreign affairs department of the party, emphasized that declarations of solidarity with the Global South must be matched by “consistent and consequential action”, particularly addressing concerns over perceived endorsement of attacks on BRICS member Iran and India’s limited diplomatic role during the ongoing war in West Asia. The party also highlighted India’s inadequate support for founding member South Africa amid diplomatic pressures, urging New Delhi to demonstrate strategic clarity while safeguarding national interests.

Congress Critique: A Call for Strategic Realignment

The Congress’s critique centers on three key areas: India’s handling of the Iran issue, its role in mediating regional conflicts, and its trade relationship with BRICS members. Khurshid argued that India’s foreign policy under the BJP government has prioritized strategic autonomy over collective leadership, creating a credibility gap in its ability to champion Global South interests. He cited India’s reluctance to forge consensus among BRICS members during the West Asia crisis and its failure to publicly address Palestine-related concerns, despite BRICS’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. “Moral leadership requires more than rhetoric,” Khurshid stated, urging the government to align its actions with its historical legacy as a non-aligned power.

• ▸BRICS Chairmanship: India assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc in 2026, overseeing the annual summit in Goa.
• ▸Iran Concerns: BRICS members have expressed unease over India’s silence on Israeli airstrikes in Iran, complicating diplomatic cohesion.
• ▸South Africa Support: The ANC government faced international scrutiny over alleged vote-buying in the 2024 elections, with India’s muted response drawing criticism.

Historical Legacy: India’s Global South Advocacy

India’s claim to leadership of the Global South is rooted in its foreign policy since Independence, which emphasized non-alignment, decolonization, and opposition to apartheid. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s advocacy for the Non-Aligned Movement in the 1950s established India as a moral arbiter in Cold War diplomacy. The country’s principled stance during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict and its support for African liberation movements further cemented its reputation. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as Foreign Minister in the 1990s, revived this ethos by mediating between conflicting powers during the 1999 Kargil War and advocating for reforms in global governance institutions like the UN Security Council.

• ▸Korean War Role: India’s participation in the 1950–1953 conflict under the UN flag underscored its commitment to multilateralism.
• ▸Anti-Apartheid Stance: India’s boycott of the 1964 Olympics and divestment from South Africa during apartheid remain landmark acts of solidarity.
• ▸Decolonization Support: India provided diplomatic backing to newly independent African and Asian nations at the UN.

Trade Imbalance: A Structural Challenge

The Congress also highlighted India’s trade deficit with BRICS nations, which account for 19.6% of global merchandise trade. Despite this, India’s bilateral trade with the bloc remains skewed: imports from China and Russia significantly outweigh exports. The party demanded greater market access for Indian goods, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals and IT services, and action against non-tariff barriers. “India cannot lead the Global South while being economically dependent on it,” Khurshid remarked, urging policies to rebalance trade flows.

• ▸Trade Share: BRICS represents 19.6% of global merchandise trade, per World Bank data.
• ▸Deficit Concerns: India’s trade deficit with China reached $140 billion in 2025, driven by electronics and textiles.
• ▸Market Access: India’s services exports to BRICS nations grew by 7.2% in 2025, lagging behind China’s $120 billion in goods exports to India.

Diplomatic Calculus: India’s Balancing Act

India’s approach to BRICS reflects its broader strategy of strategic autonomy, avoiding alignment with any bloc while leveraging partnerships for economic and security gains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has deepened ties with Russia despite Western sanctions, while maintaining a nuanced relationship with China. This balancing act, however, risks diluting India’s moral authority in multilateral forums. Critics argue that India’s silence on Iran and Palestine undermines its credibility as a Global South leader, particularly as BRICS expands to include nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

• ▸G20 Engagement: India’s inclusion in informal G7+ dialogues signals its growing geopolitical weight.
• ▸Energy Security: India’s reliance on Russian oil (60% of imports in 2025) underscores pragmatic energy partnerships.
• ▸Defense Deals: India’s purchase of S-400 missile systems from Russia, despite U.S. pressure, highlights strategic independence.

Way Forward: Leadership Through Pragmatism

For India to fulfill its BRICS chairmanship effectively, it must reconcile moral leadership with national interests. This requires addressing trade imbalances through targeted agreements, mediating conflicts within the bloc, and articulating a clear vision for Global South integration into global governance. As former diplomat Nirupama Rao noted, “India’s strength lies in its ability to bridge divides, not in taking sides.” By championing issues like climate resilience under frameworks like the National Solar Mission and advocating for reformed global institutions, India can reclaim its role as a principled yet pragmatic leader.

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