In recent BRICS and SCO meetings, India has emerged as a mature and responsible player, balancing bilateral issues with multilateral engagement. However, India faces the challenge of preventing Western perceptions of BRICS as anti-West and fostering cooperation within the group. India can play a key role by promoting local currency integration, guiding a BRICS FTA, and ensuring China's BRI does not overshadow the group's agenda. India's strategic position makes it a potential bridge builder between BRICS and the West.