Archive · 11 Sep 2026
India's BRICS Image Shifts From Weak Link to Global Powerhouse
India was once seen as the weakest member of the BRICS group of emerging economies.
In 2012, its economy was growing slowly and prices were rising quickly.
Some experts even questioned whether India should remain in the group.
Since then, the article says India’s economy has become much stronger.
India reported 7.8% growth in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27.
Its sovereign credit rating was also upgraded from BBB+ to A-.
India is now hosting the 2026 BRICS summit.
The meeting is described as a sign that other major countries see India as an important diplomatic and economic power.
India was once described as the “least attractive” BRIC economy amid slowing growth, high inflation and a weak rupee.
Standard & Poor’s warned in 2012 that India could become the first BRIC country to lose its investment-grade sovereign rating.
India recorded 7.8% real GDP growth in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, according to the article.
The Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India’s sovereign rating from BBB+ to A- with a stable outlook in September 2026.
India’s 2026 BRICS summit is presented as evidence of its growing diplomatic influence and support for a more multipolar world order.
- Who
- India, BRICS members and invited leaders including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Masoud Pezeshkian and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- What
- India is hosting the 2026 BRICS summit as its economic performance and international standing have improved.
- When
- The summit is scheduled for 2026; the article refers to developments in September 2026 and fiscal year 2026-27.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The summit is intended to advance India’s role in shaping a more multipolar global order and highlight its strategic autonomy.
- Summit
- India is hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit.
- Earlier assessment
- Jim O’Neill once described India as the “least attractive” BRIC economy in valuation terms.
- 2012 economic conditions
- India faced slowing growth, double-digit inflation and a weak rupee.
- Recent growth
- Real GDP growth was reported at 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27.
- Sovereign rating
- The Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India from BBB+ to A- with a stable outlook in September 2026.
- Diplomatic context
- The summit is portrayed as a counterweight to Western-led groups such as the Group of Seven.
- Strategic approach
- India’s strategic autonomy and middle-power diplomacy are described as increasingly relevant amid US-China rivalry and geopolitical fragmentation.