The 2024 BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, spotlighted India’s extraordinary rise as a global diplomatic power. The event underscored India’s unique ability to foster strong relationships across both developing and developed nations. This make it a key player on the world stage. As India increasingly shapes global affairs, its leadership role in the Global South and its strategic alliances with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia are more relevant than ever.
Political expert Ian Bremmer’s recent post on X aptly described India as the major economy with the “best geopolitical position globally.” With a balancing act that few nations can achieve, India has managed to be “friends with pretty much everyone”—from fostering deeper ties with the U.S. and Russia to stabilizing relations with China. This flexibility enables India to act as a bridge between conflicting global interests, allowing it to play an essential role in addressing international issues.
One of the key moments at the summit was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in five years. Against the backdrop of a military standoff that has persisted since 2020, the discussions indicated efforts by both nations to stabilize relations. This development is crucial not only for the region but also for global markets, where India and China represent two of the world’s largest economies.
Modi’s high-profile talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin further solidified India’s position as a global mediator. India, maintaining strong diplomatic ties with both Russia and the West, has offered to help broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi’s call for an end to double standards on terrorism was a significant move that resonated globally, particularly with countries troubled by the rise of extremism and terror networks.
India’s growing influence extends far beyond the BRICS nations. At the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit, alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, India showcased its commitment to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific. This has implications for global security, as India plays a key role in maintaining a rules-based order in the region, balancing powers like China.
For worldwide users, India’s ability to navigate between major powers—be it in conflict resolution, global trade, or military partnerships—is a model of modern diplomacy. Its growing influence within the United Nations, the G20, and other multilateral forums shows that India is not just rising—it is leading.
As India continues to grow its economic and diplomatic influence, the 2024 BRICS Summit has only underscored the nation’s critical role in shaping the future of global diplomacy. For global citizens, this signals a future where India’s voice will be increasingly heard, influencing decisions that affect the entire world.
