This comment explores the Global South’s evolving role amid competing US and Chinese leadership in a fragmented global order. Highlighting trade diversion and bloc mentalities, it advocates for re-globalization and multi-alignment, with India’s strategic approach as a model for navigating emerging power dynamics and fostering resilience in the Global South.

With the expansion of BRICS round the corner, China is expected to exploit BRICS’ economic potential to advance its national interest, guided by Chinese characteristics--  autocratic, hegemonic, and expansionist-- to enlarge its sphere of influence in a competitive world order.