
On October 23, 2024, India made a bold diplomatic statement by unveiling the first photo of the newly expanded BRICS bloc, emphasizing the country’s vision for a “multipolar world.” This landmark moment marks the addition of new members, further strengthening the BRICS group, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The image, released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, features leaders of the expanded BRICS nations, symbolizing a shift in global geopolitics as more countries join the bloc to counterbalance Western influence.
The expansion is part of India’s long-standing strategic push for a multipolar world order where global power is not dominated by a single nation or alliance. With its growing influence on the global stage, India seeks to promote a balanced and fair global order, advocating for the interests of emerging economies. This move aligns with India’s increasing emphasis on cooperation with countries in the Global South, as well as its close ties with nations like Russia and Brazil.
This photograph also reflects the growing clout of BRICS, especially in countering Western-led institutions like the G7. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key proponent of BRICS’ expansion, reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing the bloc’s role in global governance, trade, and financial reforms. The move is seen as a step towards realizing India’s ambitions of leading a coalition that promotes equitable global development while maintaining strong economic ties with both the East and West.