Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his second visit to Russia in 2024, this time to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The two-day summit, taking place from October 22-24 under Russia’s chairmanship, will serve as a platform for global leaders to discuss crucial international issues. Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with BRICS counterparts, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, while addressing topics like multilateralism, economic cooperation, and climate change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, which runs from October 22 to 24. This visit marks his second trip to Russia in 2024, following his attendance at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in Moscow earlier this year.
The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” aims to foster dialogue on significant global challenges. “The Summit will serve as an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues,” stated India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This high-profile meeting will bring together heads of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—alongside other invited global leaders. In his statement before departing, PM Modi posted on X, “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.”
Key Expectations at the BRICS Summit
During the summit, PM Modi is slated to engage in bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, and promoting cultural and people-to-people connectivity, among others,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted in an official statement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be in attendance, confirmed China’s foreign ministry. However, it remains uncertain whether a bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi will take place during the event.
BRICS Expansion and Institutional Development
Russia, holding the BRICS chairmanship in 2024, has prioritized the institutional growth of the group. This includes integrating invited nations as full members and expanding the partner country model. These moves are seen as vital steps in furthering BRICS’ influence on the global stage.
Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, reiterated the country’s commitment to economic cooperation within BRICS. He called it a “foundational principle” for India as one of the group’s founding members.
Significance of the Summit Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The summit is notably the largest international gathering in Russia since it began its military operations in Ukraine over two years ago. The event offered Russian President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to show that Western efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow had not succeeded. Putin’s continued participation in global forums like BRICS highlights Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain its global alliances.
While the United States has downplayed the notion that BRICS could become a “geopolitical rival,” it has expressed concerns about Russia leveraging its diplomatic position, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The inclusion of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres further underscores the importance of the event. This marks Guterres’ first visit to Russia since April 2022, with plans to meet with Putin during the summit on Thursday.
BRICS’ Global Influence
As the BRICS group continues to expand its global footprint, it now represents 45% of the world’s population and 35% of the global economy, measured by purchasing power parity. While China contributes more than half of the group’s economic strength, each member nation plays a critical role in shaping BRICS’ agenda.
With global issues such as economic cooperation, multilateralism, and climate change on the table, this year’s summit is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening international partnerships and addressing challenges that affect global security and development.
PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit in Kazan underscores India’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism and global cooperation. As the world grapples with complex challenges, India’s role in shaping the BRICS agenda remains crucial. The summit promises to foster discussions on a range of pressing global issues, from economic cooperation to sustainable development, further solidifying the group’s relevance in the international arena.
