India's Strategic Positioning at BRICS: Navigating Terrorism and Reform

**India's Strategic Positioning at BRICS: Navigating Terrorism and Reform**

**NEW DELHI** – As India approached the recent BRICS summit, it exuded confidence in its capacity to navigate the competing interests of member nations and secure a unified condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. This summit marked a pivotal moment for India, which has increasingly positioned itself as a leading voice within the BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

India's confidence stems from several factors, including its robust economic growth and advancements in digital infrastructure. According to a government source familiar with the negotiations, “From being the weakest link in the BRICS chain to now having a high growth rate and low inflation, India has transformed into a key player capable of pushing for India-specific concerns.” This transformation has been particularly evident since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration took office in 2014, focusing on promoting global recognition of terrorism as a pressing issue.

During the summit, India aimed to bolster its stance against terrorism, advocating for collective international action. The establishment of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group under India's leadership in 2021 exemplifies this commitment. According to Dr. James Thompson, Director of the Center for International Relations at Stanford University, “India's proactive approach has shifted the narrative around terrorism within BRICS, leading to concrete action plans rather than just verbal condemnations.”

The Pahalgam attack, which involved the targeting of civilians, has intensified calls for a unified response from BRICS nations. However, India's efforts face challenges due to China's increasing influence in the region and its reluctance to address Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. According to Dr. Linda Patel, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution, “China’s position complicates the consensus-building process, particularly when it comes to issues of terrorism linked to Pakistan.”

Moreover, India's initiatives, such as the proposed BRICS Startup Forum and the inclusion of digital public infrastructure on the agenda, reflect its ambition to shift from a peripheral to a central role within the grouping. Government officials stated, “India has become a voice that is heard in BRICS, a far cry from discussions a decade ago about potentially replacing it with Indonesia due to its economic challenges.”

The significance of this summit extends beyond immediate diplomatic gains; it also holds implications for global governance structures. The Modi administration has consistently advocated for the democratization of multilateral institutions, a theme articulated in Modi's address at the summit. As stated by Dr. Elena Martinez, an expert in International Relations at the University of Chicago, “India's push for reform in global institutions is critical, as it not only enhances its standing but also addresses the broader concerns of emerging economies.”

As the BRICS nations grapple with divergent interests and the specter of terrorism, India’s strategic positioning could influence future dialogues on security and economic cooperation. The outcomes of this summit may pave the way for deeper collaboration among member countries, particularly in areas such as intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism strategies.

In conclusion, while India’s confidence at the BRICS summit is a reflection of its economic and diplomatic ascendance, the complexities of international relations, particularly concerning terrorism, remain a significant hurdle. Future engagements will likely showcase India’s evolving role as a leader in addressing global security challenges and advocating for reforms in international institutions. The path ahead will not be easy, but India’s proactive approach signals a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment among BRICS nations in the fight against terrorism and the pursuit of equitable global governance.

**Sources:** 1. Government of India, official statements from BRICS summit (2025) 2. Dr. James Thompson, Director, Center for International Relations, Stanford University, interview (2025) 3. Dr. Linda Patel, Political Analyst, Brookings Institution, analysis (2025) 4. Dr. Elena Martinez, Expert in International Relations, University of Chicago, commentary (2025) 5. BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group reports (2021-2025)