India As A Global Mediator: Bridging BRICS And G7 For A Balanced World Order

India's role in BRICS highlights its special place in global politics. It skilfully manages its relationships with such countries as China, Russia and developing nations, while still keeping strong ties with powerful Western countries, such as those in the G7, except for Canada. What makes India stand out is its ability to interact with all these groups without facing major criticism from the West. This positions India as a key player that helps bridge the gap between different sides in global diplomacy.

The recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, showcased India's unique role in global politics. During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other leaders, reinforcing India's dedication to promoting global peace and stability. The summit highlighted India's important position on the world stage. Well-known global political expert Ian Bremmer, too, has praised India's leadership in the Global South and its ability to maintain stable relations with China.

At the BRICS summit, India's diplomatic efforts were on full display as Prime Minister Modi held important discussions with several world leaders. One of the key moments was his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was significant because it was their first formal conversation after icy relations for four years. This demonstrates India's attempts to balance its relationships on the global stage, especially with such major powers as China.

This tête-à-tête between India and China took place while both countries were working to resolve a four-year-long military standoff, which had seen over 30 rounds of talks between their military commanders. It highlights India's push to ease tensions with its northern neighbor, while also trying to play a role as a global mediator..

With both pro-Russia and pro-Ukraine sides looking to New Delhi for help in finding a solution to the ongoing war, India is balancing its diplomatic responsibilities. Modi is, possibly, the only world leader who is received with honour and reverence in equal measure in both Rusia and Ukraine.

At the summit, Modi also met Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian and emphasised India's dedication to promoting global peace. In a statement that appeared to target China's support for Pakistan, Modi urged an end to the double standards on terrorism. He specifically criticized countries that continue to defend Pakistan, even though that country supports-and exports-terrorist groups that are a threat to India.

India's active participation in BRICS, 2024, puts it in a leading position to influence global economic and political developments. This shows how India is playing a key role in shaping the future of international relations and the world economy. As one of the fastest-growing economies in BRICS, India is ready to use its strengths in digital technology, sustainable development, and international diplomacy to take on a leadership role.

This will help India make a bigger impact on the global stage. The summit, with its theme, Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security, is important for India's foreign policy. It gives India a chance to strengthen its relationship with Russia, engage in talks with China and play a role in global governance reforms. India's unique position as a non-aligned country, keeping good ties with both Russia and the West, allows it to potentially act as a mediator in global conflicts.

Modi's visit happened at a time when global powers are rethinking their alliances due to Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The focus on diplomacy and open discussions at this summit highlights India's increasing role as a voice of reason, especially in promoting peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict.

India's participation in the resource-rich Russian Arctic and the Northern Sea Route (NSR) will be key discussion points. An Indo-Russian joint working group has been looking into goals for Indo-Russian cargo transport along the NSR, joint projects in building Arctic ships and possible training programmes for Indian sailors in navigating polar waters.

Security talks at the BRICS summit focused on counter-terrorism and regional stability, with India playing a key role in pushing for stronger international cooperation. Modi called for better intelligence sharing and regional collaboration to tackle terrorism, especially cross-border threats that impact both India and the broader Asian region.

India's leadership in BRICS, 2024, highlights its role as an important link between the East and West. Using its unique geopolitical position and rich cultural heritage, India encourages cooperation and dialogue. This is clear from India's strong ties with G7 countries (except Canada). India's strategic goals align with the G7's on such key issues as regional stability, security partnerships, counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

India's relationship with Canada has become tense following the latter's accusations against India concerning the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This diplomatic dispute has affected student immigration and trade between the two nations. However, India's continued strong engagement with other G7 countries, without major pushback from the West, highlights its unique role as a global diplomatic bridge.

India's careful and balanced handling of global conflicts, such as the Gaza conflict that started on October 7, 2023, showcases its strategic diplomatic stance. By calling for restraint on both sides and promoting a peaceful solution through dialogue, India's response reflects its growing role in international affairs and its evolving foreign policy. India's ability to balance its long-standing support for Palestine, while building strong ties with Israel, shows how it manages complex geopolitical interests. This dual approach highlights India's skill in handling delicate international relationships.

In summary, India's leadership at BRICS, 2024, underscores its unique geopolitical role. It skilfully balances its relationships with China, Russia and the Global South, while continuing to maintain strong ties with G7 countries, except for Canada. India's capacity to engage globally without major pushback from the West distinguishes it as a key diplomatic bridge. As India navigates complex geopolitical issues, builds stronger economic partnerships and promotes cultural connections, it is emerging as a leader within BRICS and on the global stage.