Leaders from around the world gathered in Kazan, Russia for a summit of the BRICS bloc, a group of developing economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The meeting, hailed as the largest foreign policy event ever held by Russia, aims to demonstrate defiance against Western influence in global affairs. With 36 countries in attendance, the summit has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership, showing the growing interest in the bloc.
The summit in Kazan is seen as a strategic move by the Kremlin to showcase support from the Global South amid escalating tensions with the West. The proposed projects include the creation of a new payment system as an alternative to the global bank messaging network SWIFT, which would allow Russia to bypass Western sanctions and engage in trade with partners. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will hold numerous bilateral meetings, engaged with leaders such as Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the summit’s opening, highlighting the importance of global partnerships.
Putin and Xi announced a “no-limits” partnership before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of their alliance. Similarly, Russia’s cooperation with India has strengthened, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoiding condemnation of Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Modi stressed the need for a peaceful settlement while maintaining India’s long-standing partnership with Russia. Putin praised the strategic partnership with India and highlighted their joint efforts for a fair and multi-polar global order.
During the summit, leaders discussed the changing international landscape and the need for stability and cooperation. Xi Jinping emphasized the unprecedented nature of the Russia-China partnership, while Putin highlighted the shared goals of a fair world order with Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. Efforts by BRICS members to establish a new independent payment system were also acknowledged, showing the bloc’s commitment to reducing dependence on traditional financial networks.
In addition to bilateral meetings and discussions on global stability, the summit in Kazan included engagements with other world leaders. Putin met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who commended the dynamic development of Moscow-Cairo relations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also attended the summit, marking his first visit to Russia in over two years. Despite repeated criticisms of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Guterres’ presence signals a continuation of dialogue between Russia and the international community on crucial global issues.
Overall, the BRICS summit in Kazan highlighted the growing influence and cooperation among developing economies, showcasing a unified front against Western dominance in global affairs. The discussions on financial independence, strategic partnerships, and global stability underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex challenges. With expanding membership and increased collaboration, the BRICS bloc is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the global economy and geopolitics.
