BRICS refers to the group of countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. India occupies a complex position within this coalition. India is an emerging major power and a selfproclaimed champion of the Global South. It is also engaged in Western-led institutions and regional security arrangements. This study analyzes India’s strategic role in BRICS and examines its implications for future cooperation in the Global South. India’s growing use of BRICS as an overarching strategy focuses on autonomy and “multi-alignment.” This strategy enhances India’s global role in global governance while reducing the influence of the West and China–Russia relations, positioning India as a leading power in the Global South. However, India’s agency is limited by power imbalances among the BRICS countries, differing national ambitions, and the significance of Western partnerships that support its development and security. Therefore, BRICS serves as a dynamic diplomatic platform that fits within the fractured global governance system. However, it does not serve as the primary institution for a unified South. Finally, this article explores possible future trajectories for the BRICS countries and suggests avenues for research on India’s changing role.

Saduvelly Mahesh Sai Kiran, "India’s Strategic Agency in BRICS and the Future of Global South Cooperation" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(5): Page(1307-1310) September - October 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.