Russia-China alignment reshapes Modi’s BRICS diplomacy

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host the BRICS summit in New Delhi, with Russia and China exhibiting an increasingly strategic partnership, which complicates his diplomatic efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin met Modi on the eve of the summit, reviewing cooperative efforts in trade, defense, energy, space, mobility, and multilateral coordination.

They reaffirmed their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and discussed the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030. Meanwhile, China's President Xi Jinping arrived in India for his first visit in seven years, following a meeting with Modi. Despite recent steps to improve ties, territorial disputes and security concerns persist.

The summit presents a test for India's pursuit of strategic autonomy as it seeks to maintain strong ties with Russia while cautiously engaging with China and preserving relationships with the West. Both Russia and China have deepened their cooperation during the Ukraine war and amidst tensions with Western powers, describing their partnership as a model for major states.

India shares some of this vision but does not fully align with either Moscow or Beijing, advocating for a stronger role for developing economies and global institution reform while resisting an explicitly anti-Western grouping. Economic ties with Russia have surged, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion by 2030, though India remains dependent on Russian oil and seeks to increase exports.

The BRICS agenda offers Modi opportunities to collaborate with both powers on less contentious issues, including finance, trade, energy security, technology, and global conflicts.