JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 11: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat said that India’s growing role in BRICS reflects the country’s remarkable economic and diplomatic transformation and its emergence as a major force in global affairs.
Bhagat said that India’s journey over the past decade presents a striking contrast to the doubts that surrounded its economic potential in the past.
He recalled that in 2012, Goldman Sachs had described India as the least attractive among the BRIC economies in valuation terms, while its then Chairman Jim O’Neill had also expressed concerns about the growth prospects of India, China and Russia.
“Look at India today. The country that was once being questioned about its growth potential is now playing a leading role in one of the world’s most important groupings of emerging economies. This is not merely a change in statistics; it is a transformation in India’s global standing,” Bhagat said.
He said that BRICS has itself evolved into a significant platform representing the aspirations and interests of emerging economies, while India’s growing influence within the grouping reflects its increasing economic strength, diplomatic outreach and strategic importance.
“India today is not merely a participant in global forums. India is increasingly shaping the global conversation and asserting its voice on issues that matter to the developing world,” he asserted.
Bhagat said that India’s leadership of BRICS and the hosting of the Summit in New Delhi provide another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing capabilities and strengthen its engagement with major global economies.
“Those attempting to create a negative narrative around BRICS should first look at the larger picture. The India of 2012 and the India of today tell two very different stories. From being questioned about its potential, India has moved towards becoming a country whose leadership and voice command global attention,” Bhagat said.
He said that this transformation has strengthened India’s confidence on the international stage and demonstrated the country’s ability to pursue its national interests while contributing meaningfully to global cooperation.
“India’s rise is not a matter of political rhetoric; it is visible in the country’s growing global influence, expanding partnerships and leadership in multilateral forums. The BRICS journey is another reflection of New India’s confidence and its rising stature in the world,” Bhagat added.
