India has increased its influence within major international forums to position itself as a key global voice during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure [1].
This shift in diplomatic strategy matters because it reflects India's growing geopolitical and economic clout. By leveraging memberships in diverse groups, India seeks to reshape the international system to be more inclusive of the Global South.
During a program in Mumbai marking the 12-year milestone [1] of Modi's leadership, officials highlighted the nation's expanded role on the world stage. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "India became a global force under Modi’s leadership" [2].
India has focused its efforts on several key organizations, including the G20, the Quad, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) [1]. Through these channels, the administration has worked to promote a world order that better reflects current global realities rather than outdated structures.
BRICS has emerged as a primary vehicle for this ambition. The government views the bloc as a key voice for the Global South, using it to advocate for systemic changes in global governance [1]. This approach allows India to maintain strategic autonomy while building bridges between developed and developing economies.
Modi has served as Prime Minister for 12 years [1], beginning his term in May 2014. Over this period, the administration has shifted from a regional focus to a more assertive global presence, one that balances participation in Western-led initiatives like the Quad with non-Western blocs like BRICS.
“India became a global force under Modi’s leadership.”
India's strategic engagement across competing geopolitical blocs—such as the Western-aligned Quad and the non-Western BRICS—indicates a policy of multi-alignment. By positioning itself as a bridge between the Global North and South, India aims to secure a permanent seat at the table of global governance and increase its leverage in trade and security negotiations.
