Multilateral

BRICS expanded from 5 (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to 10 members at the Johannesburg Summit (August 2023): new members Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE joined from January 2024. India is a founding BRICS member. The grouping collectively represents ~45% of global population and ~35% of global GDP (PPP). India has navigated BRICS membership alongside the Quad, reflecting its multi-alignment. India-China tensions post-Galwan (2020) have complicated intra-BRICS dynamics. 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 ↗

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 ↗