The Russia-hosted BRICS Summit has once again placed India in the spotlight, demonstrating its growing influence on the international stage. As a member of one of the largest and most powerful unions, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), India proved it is willing to become one of the leaders in terms of setting the world’s tone. But what does this summit mean for India’s external policy and India’s relationship with the planet? Let’s break it down.

India, a key member of the BRICS group, has been actively involved in the organisation due to its expanding economy and strategic influence. The BRICS platform allows India to promote a multifaceted world to balance the power focused in a few Western states.

During the Russia BRICS Summit, India set specific goals for economic cooperation, trade relations, and changing international relations. Despite growing geopolitical tensions and sanctions, India remains a loyal partner of Russia, maintaining long-standing military ties with Russia. This relationship includes energy, space technology, and infrastructure.

India's strong support for Russia during the summit was emphasised, and both countries have managed their strategic relationships without being affected by other global relations. India's involvement in BRICS highlights the Global South and promotes equity among developing countries while adhering to international development norms. This has improved India's position on the world map and improved cooperation with partners from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

India also demanded enhanced collaboration on sustainable development, climate change, and resource access, providing a platform to support developing nations and be counted among the G20 countries that address such issues. While India is an important country for BRICS, it has not forgotten the West, especially the US and Europe. India has built and sustained a multipolar foreign policy with ongoing friendship with the BRICS nations and strong trade and defence cooperation with British countries.

India's balanced policy allows it to remain an active participant in both the East and the West, demonstrating its capacity to fulfil cooperation with all leading world countries.

The Russia BRICS Summit event unveiled India's new strength and the country's capacity to consolidate itself as a potent player in international politics. Whether it’s regarding deepening its strategic cooperation with Russia, balancing its strategic partnership with China, or standing up for the cause of the Global South, India has shown that it possesses the tact and diplomacy to act and transact in a very delicate web of international politics.

By maintaining good relations with both the BRICS countries and the West, India’s foreign policy is strategic and makes the country a rising world power. As the world is already said to be moving or is moving towards the multilateral system, India is all set to steer, interact, and determine the course of foreign affairs. The BRICS Summit was not about a diplomatic show; it was about India’s position in a world in transition.

The world politics of tomorrow definitely have India in it.