Sixteenth BRICS Summit: A New Chapter for Global Multilateralism in Kazan
The world shifts the focus to Kazan, Russia, on October 22-24, 2024, for the 16th BRICS Summit hosted under the leadership of Russia. The Summit, themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security', provides the leaders of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with newly inducted members and invited countries, an opportunity to deliberate on key global issues and strategies in addressing the rising geopolitical challenges of this era.
India's Involvement in the Summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again made India highly relevant in global discussions by flying out for his second visit to Russia in 2024 after his trip to Moscow in July during the annual India-Russia Summit. On X (formerly Twitter), Modi said he looked forward to "extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects" with BRICS members as well as other leaders invited.
India remains critical to the BRICS framework. As a founding member, it has constantly promoted economic cooperation, reformed multilateralism, and climate action, supporting efforts toward building resilient supply chains while encouraging people-to-people contacts. These priorities align closely with this year's summit themes, reflecting India's active role in shaping BRICS' future direction.
Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts, including Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, in Kazan. These talks will further cement the long-standing relationship between India and Russia, a bond that has stood the test of time, especially with Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
Russia's Global Ambitions through BRICS
This summit is crucial for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He needs to prove that all the Western sanctions and isolation efforts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine were futile. Hosting the BRICS Summit on home soil gives Putin a chance to project strength and reaffirm Russia's influence in the Global South. The summit epitomizes Russia's efforts to strengthen ties with BRICS nations and to open the group to new countries, says Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia.
The BRICS group, now representing 45% of the world's population and 35% of its economy (measured by purchasing power parity), has expanded over time. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group has added South Africa, and recently welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE into its fold. While Saudi Arabia has been invited to join, it has not yet committed to full membership. The growing membership reflects the increasing allure of BRICS for countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated organizations like the G7.
What may really irk the West is that Moscow has been vocal about its plans to create an alternative to the SWIFT global payment system, enabling Russia to bypass sanctions and continue trading with BRICS partners. Moscow's goals through BRICS aim to establish a new world order, one that better represents the interests of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi's Emphasis on Dialogue and Diplomacy
In his speech at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, reiterating the urgent need for peaceful solutions to conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi has walked a fine line since the conflict began, advocating for peace without sacrificing India’s economic and strategic interests with both Russia and the West.
Modi's remarks reflected wider concerns about the global challenges faced by BRICS nations—ranging from inflation and food security to health and energy issues. "At such a time, there are high expectations of the BRICS grouping, and I believe that we, as a diverse and inclusive platform, can play a positive role in all these areas," Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s commitment to tackling terrorism and terror financing—key issues on its global agenda. His calls for UN reforms and just representation in multilateral agencies reflect India’s vision for a more equitable global governance system, ensuring fair representation for the Global South.
China's Strategic Interests and Expanding BRICS
Chinese President Xi Jinping was another high-profile attendee. There is no confirmation yet of a meeting between Modi and Xi, but both leaders play crucial roles in shaping BRICS policy. China's intent to extend its influence and coordinate with Russia in BRICS was evident, despite unresolved border disputes with India.
In his meeting with Putin, Xi praised the China-Russia partnership, calling it one of the "main stabilizing factors on the global stage." Both leaders emphasized their shared desire to promote a multipolar world—a concept that contrasts starkly with the Western-led world order.
As Russia’s closest ally within BRICS, China supports the group's expansion, seeing it as a way to consolidate its position in the Global South. However, the rapid growth of BRICS raises concerns about future cohesion. Some observers worry that the inclusion of countries like Iran and the UAE may challenge the group’s ability to maintain a united geopolitical purpose and deliver real economic benefits for its members.
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan: Enlarged Influence Amid Global Tensions
The world is undergoing significant economic and political changes, and BRICS sees itself as a vital player in shaping a more equitable and just world order. Amid the challenges of the Russia-Ukraine war, climate crises, and the North-South divide, the BRICS nations aim to play a crucial role in addressing these pressing issues.
Putin’s vision of a new world order is gaining momentum within the BRICS framework, as the group provides a platform for countries to counter Western hegemony. As Prime Minister Modi pointed out, BRICS is not divisive but supports dialogue and diplomacy, and this year’s summit has found common ground in tackling the world’s major problems.
The inclusion of countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran into BRICS is a testament to its growing global importance. However, the challenge remains: Can BRICS manage these expansions without losing its original focus? Will the group maintain unity amid the differing interests of its expanding membership?
The Kazan Summit marks a defining moment for the future of BRICS. Whether it succeeds in shaping a new world order remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: BRICS is becoming an increasingly powerful and influential bloc on the global stage.
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