Current Affairs
Mains issueGS-2Editorials18 September 2026

Does the BRICS summit signify a shift for Indian foreign policy?

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

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01

The article analyzes the New Delhi Declaration of 2026 from the BRICS summit, debating whether it signals a shift in India's foreign policy towards its non-aligned past or is merely strategic rhetoric. Experts discuss India's comfort in non-western forums, its 'strategic autonomy' and 'multi-alignment' approach, and the geopolitical implications of the declaration's stance on issues like Western sanctions, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the omission of Ukraine references. The economic aspects, such as intra-BRICS trade and payment mechanisms, are also examined in the context of challenging the G7 and the US dollar. The discussion highlights India's balancing act in a multipolar world, its primary challenge from China, and the importance of its diplomatic engagement in various global forums.

Core issue

02

The article analyzes the New Delhi Declaration of 2026 from the BRICS summit, debating whether it signals a shift in India's foreign policy towards its non-aligned past or is merely strategic rhetoric. Experts discuss India's comfort in non-western forums, its 'strategic autonomy' and 'multi-alignment' approach, and the geopolitical implications of the declaration's stance on issues like Western sanctions, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the omission of Ukraine references. The economic aspects, such as intra-BRICS trade and payment mechanisms, are also examined in the context of challenging the G7 and the US dollar. The discussion highlights India's balancing act in a multipolar world, its primary challenge from China, and the importance of its diplomatic engagement in various global forums.

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