New Delhi,Sep.09,2025:On September 8, 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted a virtual BRICS summit that brought together world leaders to address escalating global trade tensions and U.S. tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-
What Happened at the Summit
On September 8, 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted a virtual BRICS summit that brought together world leaders to address escalating global trade tensions and U.S. tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi notably did not attend, opting to send External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in his place. The summit saw participation from major leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Lula himself.
India’s Strategic Balancing Act
India appears to be walking a diplomatic tightrope—valuing BRICS engagement while avoiding actions that might antagonize the U.S. By deploying Jaishankar instead of Modi, New Delhi demonstrated that it values the BRICS platform but is wary of including the Prime Minister in a forum that could be perceived as anti-American.
Avoiding Direct Confrontation with the U.S.
The summit’s focus was on Donald Trump’s high tariffs, especially the 50% levy on Indian goods. Modi’s absence signals that India is choosing caution over confrontation at a moment when its relationship with the U.S. remains fragile and under scrutiny.
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy
By limiting his participation, Modi likely aimed to preserve strategic autonomy—balancing ties with both BRICS nations like China and Russia while preventing any fallout with Washington.
Diplomatic Optics and Global Messaging
Earlier, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, Modi was seen sharing warm interactions with Putin and Xi. That visual seemed to irk Trump. It’s possible that Modi’s absence at BRICS was meant to soften those optics and avoid signaling alignment solely against the U.S.
Expert Commentary
Analysts have described Modi’s no-show as a “calculated move” to walk the fine line between multiple geopolitical demands.
Singapore-based Asia Sentinel suggests that Modi’s absence highlights emerging divisions within BRICS and indicates he is not entirely in harmony with Xi Jinping.
What’s Next for India and BRICS
India is poised to assume the BRICS chair in 2026, hosting the 18th Leaders’ Summit. What message New Delhi chooses to send next will be telling—will it use its chairmanship to pursue tighter integration, or continue a path of measured engagement?
