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. 22/10/2024 12:51 PM
Prime Minister Modi Attends 16th BRICS Summit in Russia: Focus on Global Cooperation and Bilateral Relations
Kazan, Russia – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kazan, Russia, to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, a critical gathering of leaders from emerging economies. This summit follows the group’s recent expansion, which now includes Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, as well as new members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The expanded membership reflects BRICS' growing influence in global governance, as the coalition seeks to address key international issues.
BRICS is an alliance of major emerging economies, formed with the goal of fostering economic cooperation and development among its members. The group’s expansion represents its increasing role on the world stage, with new members adding weight to the coalition’s diplomatic and economic efforts. The inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE is expected to enhance BRICS' ability to collaborate on a range of global challenges, from trade to security.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the summit underscores India’s commitment to BRICS as a forum for promoting a multipolar world order. The primary summit activities are scheduled for Wednesday, and discussions will focus on strengthening international cooperation and promoting economic growth. According to Indian officials, the BRICS platform offers a critical opportunity to address global challenges and promote fairness in international relations.
India views BRICS as crucial for creating a more balanced global system, in which emerging economies have a stronger voice. By championing multipolarity, BRICS seeks to ensure that no single nation or group of nations dominates international governance, and instead promotes a more inclusive and equitable global order.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that BRICS plays a key role in tackling pressing global issues, including economic inequality, climate change, and security concerns. The group’s leaders are expected to adopt the Kazan Declaration, a document that will outline the future direction of cooperation among BRICS nations. This declaration is seen as a framework for addressing critical issues through collective action.
The Kazan Declaration will also set the stage for future collaboration in areas like sustainable development, technology transfer, and regional security. By working together, BRICS countries hope to strengthen their economies and contribute to global stability.
Alongside the main summit agenda, Prime Minister Modi will engage in several high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders. One of the key discussions will be with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders are expected to address mutual interests and explore avenues for deepening cooperation. Additionally, Modi is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian Parliament Speaker Masoud Pezeshkian, with a focus on strengthening ties in trade, security, and diplomacy.
A major focus of Modi’s visit will be a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders will discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As one of the few nations maintaining close ties with both Russia and Western countries, India’s role in global diplomacy is crucial. Modi’s meeting with Putin is expected to explore potential pathways for resolving the conflict and stabilizing the region.
India’s diplomatic engagement in the Ukraine crisis reflects its strategic positioning on the world stage, balancing relationships with key global powers. The discussions in Kazan could pave the way for further dialogue and conflict resolution initiatives.
Trade relations between India and Russia remain a priority. During a previous visit to Russia in July, Prime Minister Modi set an ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. The two countries have seen growing cooperation in various sectors, including energy, defense, and technology.
A follow-up meeting in November, led by India’s External Affairs Minister, will outline new trade targets and strategies for boosting sectoral partnerships. Strengthening economic ties with Russia is seen as a key component of India’s broader foreign policy goals, particularly in the context of the BRICS alliance.
In addition to economic and diplomatic issues, Modi’s visit also aims to enhance cultural ties between India and BRICS member nations. Promoting Indian studies and cinema in other BRICS countries is a key priority, with people-to-people exchanges playing an important role in fostering closer relationships. By building stronger cultural connections, India hopes to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation with its BRICS partners.
The BRICS Summit in Kazan is a landmark event for international diplomacy, bringing together key emerging economies to discuss global challenges and future collaboration. Prime Minister Modi’s active participation signals India’s commitment to shaping the future of BRICS and ensuring that the group plays a leading role in global governance. With important discussions on trade, security, and diplomacy on the agenda, the outcomes of this summit are expected to have far-reaching implications for the member nations and the global order at large.
As the summit progresses, all eyes will be on the BRICS nations as they seek to navigate complex international issues and forge stronger partnerships for a more equitable and prosperous world.
