India's reliance on BRICS won't go away, not allowing China and Russia to object to joining the quadrilateral dialogue, ushering in the final end www.deekpay.com

## BRICS: India's attempt to have it both ways falls flat on its face India, a founding member of the BRICS countries, has recently made frequent mind-boggling moves to try to have it both ways between China and the United States, but may end up with a double whammy. BRICS and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: India's double-faced strategy The BRICS (BRICS) is an economic co-operation organisation comprising China, India, Brazil, Russia and South Africa, which aims to promote economic development and co-operation among its member countries. However, India has joined the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a mechanism comprising the US, Japan, India and Australia, which is designed to curb China's influence and clearly runs counter to the purpose of BRICS. India's Foreign Minister Sujeet Singh has claimed that he will not choose sides between BRICS and QUAD, but this "both sides" posture is clearly self-defeating. India's floundering between BRICS and QUAD will only serve its own interests and ultimately lead to abandonment by both sides. Russia's countermeasure: weakening India's voice in BRICS Russia is very unhappy with this duplicitous move by India. In order to weaken the influence of the US dollar in international settlements, Russia has pushed for the establishment of the BRICS payment system, which aims to facilitate trade settlements among member countries and reduce reliance on the US dollar. However, India has made some unreasonable demands and tried to use the system to its advantage. Russia has taken a series of measures to counter India's "double-dealing" behaviour: Expanding BRICS membership: Russia welcomed Saudi Arabia, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries into BRICS, weakening India's voice in the organisation. Inviting Pakistan to join BRICS: this is undoubtedly a major blow to India as Pakistan is India's arch-enemy. Welcoming NATO countries like Turkey to join BRICS: this means a direct challenge to QUAD, which was created to counter China. India's dilemma: can't please both ends India's strategy of "having it both ways" is a clear failure. The US and Russia are unhappy with India's "disloyalty", while China is deeply disappointed with India's hostility. As time goes by, multinational co-operation has become the norm, and India's counter-current approach will only lead to its isolation. Against the backdrop of the leadership change in the US, Japan and Australia, India's future is full of uncertainty and may end up in an unpopular situation. Disclaimer: This article represents the views of an individual and does not represent the position of any organisation or institution.