Can BRICS emerge as a genuine counterweight to the West?

As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the expanded grouping is attracting fresh attention as the global balance of power undergoes major changes. China, Russia, India and other BRICS members are pushing for greater cooperation across trade, finance, technology and the wider Global South.

The bloc has also discussed local-currency trade and alternative payment mechanisms, raising questions about the long-term dominance of Western-led financial systems. But BRICS is far from a unified anti-Western alliance. India continues to maintain strategic partnerships with the United States and other Western powers, while differences between BRICS members could make deeper coordination difficult.

With Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other leaders expected in New Delhi, the 2026 summit could reveal how far BRICS can actually go in reshaping the global power equation.

Can BRICS become a true counterweight to the West — or will its internal divisions limit its ambitions?

 Can Brics Emerge as a Counterweight to the West? 

India is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South as New Delhi hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026.

With India holding the BRICS chairship, the summit provides New Delhi with a major platform to push issues affecting developing and emerging economies, including trade, investment, technology, digital payments, development and reforms to global institutions.

The expanded BRICS grouping brings together major emerging economies at a time of intense geopolitical tensions. India is seeking to use its diplomatic relationships across different power blocs while presenting BRICS as a platform for cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

Watch this report for the latest from BRICS 2026, India’s diplomatic push and New Delhi’s growing role on the global stage.

 India Positioning Itself As Leading Voice of the Global South


Panama has officially backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling India an essential voice for the Global South. In an exclusive interview with WION, Panama's Foreign Minister strongly supported comprehensive UN reforms, stating that the current global governance structure no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century.

The minister emphasized that India deserves a permanent seat on the UNSC while also advocating for permanent representation for Latin America. He further highlighted Panama's interest in expanding strategic ties with India through digital governance, innovation, technology, and education. Panama is also exploring the establishment of an IIT campus to serve the wider Latin American region.

Panama backs India’s UNSC permanent seat bid | Big boost for PM 