Multilateral

BRICS expanded from 5 (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to 10 at the Johannesburg Summit (Aug 2023) and then 11 when Indonesia joined in January 2025. As of the 2026 New Delhi Summit (Sep 12-13), BRICS has 11 full members and 10 partner countries (Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam). Saudi Arabia's full membership ratification remained complex. The bloc represents ~49.5% of global population, ~40% of global GDP (PPP), and ~26% of global trade. India chaired the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. Key outcomes: New Delhi Declaration (140 points), BRICS Pay launch, NDB expansion, China and Russia explicitly backing India's UNSC permanent membership bid, and all 11 members condemning the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Source ↗

India's RBI led technical coordination for BRICS Pay — a blockchain-based cross-border payment and messaging system supporting settlement in 23 currencies including the rupee, yuan, ruble, real, and dirham. BRICS Pay was formally launched at the New Delhi Summit (Sep 2026), linking 75 countries. Intra-BRICS local currency trade share surged from ~20% before 2022 to 67%+ in early 2026 — driven by the Russia-West financial sanctions forcing rapid de-dollarisation within the bloc. The 2026 New Delhi Declaration backed interoperability of payment and messaging systems and faster cross-border settlements. India opposed a single BRICS currency (backed by China/Russia), preferring bilateral local-currency settlement — the final framework reflects India's position. Source ↗

The 2026 New Delhi Declaration (140-point document adopted Sep 12, 2026) included all 11 BRICS members — including China and Russia, who hold UN Security Council veto power — explicitly reiterating support for India and Brazil becoming permanent members of the UN Security Council. This is a significant diplomatic outcome of India's BRICS chairship: China has historically been ambiguous or opposed to India's UNSC bid given border tensions. The declaration also had all 11 members condemn the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack (which killed 26 civilians), a rare multilateral consensus on India-specific terrorism. UN Security Council reform requiring 2/3 majority in UNGA remains a long-term goal — no specific timeline was set at the summit. Source ↗

India held the G20 Presidency (Dec 2022–Nov 2023). The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by consensus at the 18th G20 Summit (Sept 9-10, 2023) — a significant diplomatic achievement given US-Russia-China tensions over Ukraine language. Key outcomes: Inclusion of African Union as permanent G20 member, Global Biofuels Alliance launch, Digital Public Infrastructure framework, Green Development Pact. India positioned the presidency around 'One Earth One Family One Future' (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) and Global South interests. Source ↗

India initiated the 'Voice of Global South Summit' virtual format under its G20 Presidency: 1st Summit (Jan 2023, 125 countries participated), 2nd Summit (Nov 2023, 130+ countries). A 3rd summit was held August 2024. India positioned itself as spokesperson for the Global South at the G20, advocating debt restructuring, climate finance, and technology transfer. Critics note self-appointment as Global South leader is contested by China and some African/ASEAN nations. Source ↗

I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US) is a quadrilateral economic grouping formalised July 2022 — first Leaders' Summit was virtual. Focus areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, food security. Announced projects include a $2B UAE-funded food park in India (with US technology), an integrated clean energy project, and grid infrastructure. I2U2 is described as a 'business forum with diplomatic backing' — not a security grouping. It represents India's deepening ties with both the Gulf and Israel simultaneously. Source ↗

The New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, was established by BRICS in 2015 as an alternative to the World Bank and IMF. India is a founding shareholder. As of the 2026 New Delhi Summit, NDB has approved $32 billion+ across 96 projects globally. India is the single largest recipient: 32 projects worth $9.5 billion covering metro rail, highways, urban infrastructure, renewable energy, and water supply. NDB's local-currency lending stands at ~22% vs. a 30% target. India ratifies NDB loans in rupees, reducing currency risk. Key India projects funded: Mumbai Metro Lines 2A/2B/7, Nagpur Metro, Pune Ring Road, Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project. Source ↗

Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) — India, US, Australia, Japan — was revived in 2017 (senior officials) and elevated to Leaders' level in March 2021. Four Leaders' Summits: March 2021 (virtual), September 2021 (Washington DC), May 2022 (Tokyo), August 2023 (Camp David — first hosted by US President), September 2024 (Wilmington). Quad focuses on Indo-Pacific stability, vaccine/health security, climate, cyber, critical technology, infrastructure (PGII). No formal defence treaty or mutual defence obligation. Source ↗

India became a full SCO member at the Astana Summit (June 2017) along with Pakistan. SCO is a Eurasian political-security organisation; other members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. India hosted the SCO Virtual Summit in 2023 as Chair. SCO membership gives India a seat at Eurasian security discussions but is complicated by simultaneous Quad membership and India-China/Pakistan tensions. India skipped some SCO meetings citing bilateral disputes. Source ↗

India has historically been among the top three UN peacekeeping troop contributors globally. As of late 2024, India ranks among the top 10 troop contributors. The number has declined from a peak as India recalibrated deployment priorities. Indian troops have served in Congo, Lebanon, South Sudan, and other missions. India lost 175 peacekeepers in service as of 2024 — the highest sacrifice among contributing nations. Source ↗