NEW DELHI, INDIA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading into a crucial diplomatic phase as he prepares for upcoming international summits that could test his balancing act between two major power blocs — the US-led Quad and the China-Russia-backed BRICS. Both alliances, while crucial to India’s global standing, reflect opposing strategic visions that may soon force New Delhi to make difficult choices.
With Malaysia set to host the ASEAN-related summits next week, Modi is expected to engage with leaders from both camps — including the United States, China, and Russia — in what analysts are calling one of the most delicate foreign policy moments of his tenure. Indian participation is yet to be officially confirmed, but diplomatic sources suggest that Modi’s attendance is likely.
At the heart of the challenge lies India’s dual strategy: maintaining its defense and technological cooperation with the Quad nations — the United States, Japan, and Australia — while simultaneously deepening its role within BRICS, where it is scheduled to assume chairmanship in 2026. The two groupings, however, are increasingly being viewed as rivals in shaping the future of global order.
Observers believe that New Delhi’s success will depend on how effectively it can sustain this strategic equilibrium. India’s growing defense ties with Washington, its oil trade with Moscow, and its cautious diplomacy with Beijing all highlight the complexities of its multi-vector foreign policy. Any visible tilt towards one alliance risks alienating the other.
Foreign policy experts warn that the pressure is building ahead of India’s 2026 BRICS summit. If the Quad leadership meeting is pushed to the same year, Modi could find himself caught between competing expectations — projecting India as an independent global player while navigating global polarization.
For now, India appears determined to keep both partnerships alive. But as geopolitical rifts deepen, the fine line between neutrality and alignment is becoming increasingly hard to walk.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.