City Research Online

Abstract

This chapter examines India’s strategic engagement with BRICS and BRICS+ through a critical lens of *multi-alignment*, which is a post–Cold War shift from non-alignment toward pragmatic partnerships that prioritize national interest over ideological consistency. In this chapter, I argue that India’s multi-alignment, at least since the US-India nuclear deal led by Manmohan Singh government, is also a reactive strategy that aims to secure a multipolar world but tethered to strong relation with the United States. Clearly (1) BRICS enables India to advance a multipolar world order; (2) the forum allows engagement with liberal-order “disruptors” like Russia, China, and Iran, facilitating conflict management—illustrated by India’s sustained ties with Iran despite U.S. sanctions; and (3) BRICS+ offers a geostrategic space to navigate global disorder, including supply chain disruptions, sanctions, and weaponized interdependence. Yet, India’s reactive multi-alignment strategy in global disorder has reduced the state’s ability to use BRICS to pursue a principled alternative to problems of global disorder. Indian policymakers often talk of pragmatism. While such realpolitik could strengthen India’s global governance role, the chapter critiques the Modi administration’s emphasis on civilizational rhetoric and Hindu nationalism, which risks undermining prudential statecraft. Ultimately, effective participation in BRICS+ demands a rethink of its reactive multi-alignment towards strategic flexibility and institutional foresight—qualities essential for India to leverage its role as rising power in a fragmented world.

Publication Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	© 2026 Springer. This is the accepted manuscript of a chapter published by Springer. Please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions for information on re-use.
Publisher Keywords:	India, BRICS+, Multi-alignment, Multipolarity, Realpolitik, Global disorder, Liberal international order
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JZ International relations
Departments:	School of Policy & Global Affairs School of Policy & Global Affairs > Department of International Politics
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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