India has been recognized as a crucial bridge-builder and balancer in today’s global affairs, with the ability to influence the global order positively, according to a recent report. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, is seen as a potential stabilizing force in the global order. However, India has chosen to maintain flexibility by not formalizing Quad into a military alliance.
The report emphasizes India’s strategic autonomy, rooted in its Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) heritage, allowing the country to engage with various platforms without forming formal alliances. This approach enables India to pursue its national interests while representing the Global South and establishing itself as a dependable partner for Western nations. India’s economic size, global presence, and strategic relationships position it uniquely amidst the current global institutional challenges.
With its involvement in developing nations and advocacy for South-South cooperation, India assumes a leadership role for the Global South while also maintaining significant strategic partnerships with Western countries, the European Union, the UK, and Nordic nations. India’s position in the global economy enables it to act as a bridge between different regions, contributing to reshaping the global order towards fairer global governance, a goal it has pursued since its involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Through its participation in the Quad, India plays a crucial role in stabilizing the multipolar world by advocating for the rule of law and balancing relationships with major global powers. This role is particularly significant for South Africa and the broader African continent, aligning with their vision for a more equitable, multipolar order. India’s upcoming chairmanship of BRICS in 2026, under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,’ reflects a people-centric approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2025.
