PM Modi departs for Russia to attend 16th BRICS summit

New Delhi, Oct 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Kazan, Russia, today, Tuesday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This summit, hosted by Russia, comes at a critical juncture for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), as it seeks to reinforce its role as a major platform for global dialogue, especially following the inclusion of new member states such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Before leaving for Kazan, Prime Minister Modi issued a statement underlining the importance of the BRICS alliance. "India values the close cooperation within BRICS, which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue on key global issues such as developmental agendas, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, and building resilient supply chains. The expansion of BRICS has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good," said Modi.

The Prime Minister’s visit comes against the backdrop of evolving geopolitics and shifting alliances, particularly as relations between India and China show signs of improvement after years of tensions. This summit marks the first high-profile international forum since India and China reached an agreement on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), an area of dispute that has led to friction between the two nations since 2020. The easing of border tensions is being hailed as a significant development, and many observers are keenly watching for a potential bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

A Critical Moment for India-China Relations

India and China have been at odds since a deadly clash at the LAC in 2020 strained diplomatic and economic ties. However, recent talks have led to a breakthrough in disengagement, marking a turning point in their bilateral relationship. The upcoming BRICS Summit, therefore, becomes even more important as it offers a rare opportunity for Modi and Xi to continue rebuilding trust and addressing key issues in the India-China dynamic.

China’s growing influence and India’s efforts to balance strategic autonomy with global partnerships further highlight the BRICS bloc's geopolitical significance.

A bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi could signal further melting of tensions and may lay the groundwork for more stable relations moving forward. As the two most populous countries in the world, any improvement in India-China relations will not only affect regional stability in Asia but also have far-reaching implications on global trade and security.

India-Russia Relations: A Time-Tested Partnership

Prime Minister Modi’s visit also carries immense significance for India-Russia relations, which have been termed as a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." Russia, long considered a dependable ally of India, has drawn closer to Asian powers as its ties with the West continue to deteriorate, particularly in the wake of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This growing pivot towards Asia is evident in Russia’s recent engagements with India, China, and other Asian nations.

India has maintained a delicate balancing act between its historic relationship with Russia and its partnerships with Western nations, a stance that has become increasingly complex in light of recent global events.

The presence of Iran at the BRICS Summit also adds a layer as Iran's inclusion in BRICS aligns with the bloc’s expanding influence in the Global South.

Bilateral talks between Modi and Putin are expected to focus on a range of issues, including defence cooperation, energy partnerships, and discussions on the global economic order. With India's relationship with Canada deteriorating, exacerbated by tensions with Western nations in the "Five Eyes" alliance—the Modi-Putin meeting will likely highlight India's desire to strengthen ties with dependable partners in the East.

The BRICS Summit itself holds broader implications for the global order. Formed in 2009 as a platform for emerging economies to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions, BRICS has evolved into a formidable force in shaping global economic and political discourse. Its collective voice on issues like reformed multilateralism and the equitable distribution of resources resonates with nations that feel sidelined by traditional powers.

With the theme of the 16th BRICS Summit focusing on “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” member countries are expected to discuss pressing global challenges such as climate change, resilient supply chains, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. As the world faces economic turbulence and geopolitical tensions, BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-led alliances, providing an alternative model of cooperation for countries across the Global South.

Prime Minister Modi’s departure statement also highlighted India’s commitment to multilateralism, noting that the BRICS platform allows for in-depth discussions on global developmental issues and economic cooperation. His participation in the summit, along with key bilateral meetings, highlights India’s role in shaping a multipolar world, where it seeks to balance relations with both Eastern and Western blocs.

High Stakes at the BRICS Summit

As Prime Minister Modi embarks on his two-day visit to Russia, the 16th BRICS Summit is set to be closely watched by the international community. Bilateral meetings with Xi Jinping, if it happens and Vladimir Putin are expected to dominate headlines, given their potential impact on regional and global geopolitics.

While India navigates its complex relationships with the West, China, and Russia, the outcomes of this summit will provide critical insights into how New Delhi positions itself in an increasingly multipolar world. The BRICS platform, with its expanded membership and growing influence, represents a vital forum for India to advance its strategic interests while contributing to the broader global good.

As Modi himself put it before departing, "My visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS and working together to address the global challenges that lie ahead."