India is set to assume leadership roles in two significant international bodies in 2026: the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and BRICS. The nation's Chief Election Commissioner accepted the chairmanship of International IDEA in Stockholm, while its BRICS sherpa received the chairmanship for BRICS in Brazil. These opportunities arise amidst ongoing international criticism of India's democratic credentials from organizations like the V-Dem project, Freedom House, and the Economist Intelligence Unit, which the Indian government has consistently refuted as politically motivated.