PM Modi to visit Russia to attend BRICS Summit

New Delhi, Oct 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan On October 22-23 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Summit, themed "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," reflects the ongoing evolution of BRICS as a crucial geopolitical bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

As the global order becomes increasingly fragmented, BRICS continues to serve as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions, aiming to amplify the voices of the Global South.

This year’s summit comes at a pivotal moment for BRICS and its member states. The bloc has steadily grown in relevance, not only for its economic might, representing over 40% of the world’s population and roughly a quarter of global GDP but also for its ambition to reshape international governance structures.

By promoting financial independence from Western institutions like the IMF and World Bank, BRICS has increasingly focused on creating parallel mechanisms such as the New Development Bank (NDB) and pushing for de-dollarisation in global trade.

For India, the summit holds particular importance. As a rising global power, India has balanced its engagement with the West—through platforms like the Quad and closer ties with the United States—while maintaining strong ties within BRICS.

Russia remains a key strategic partner, especially amid the shifting power dynamics fuelled by the West’s sanctions on Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Modi’s attendance at this summit highlights the lasting nature of India-Russia relations, especially in areas of defence cooperation and energy security.

The summit will provide a platform for leaders to review the progress of previous BRICS initiatives and explore new avenues for collaboration, especially in the areas of climate change, digital innovation, and supply chain resilience. Modi is also expected to engage in bilateral discussions with his BRICS counterparts, reinforcing India’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen multilateralism and secure its position in a multipolar world.

As BRICS continues to navigate tensions among its own members, particularly between India and China, the summit will test the bloc’s ability to present a unified front. The outcomes of the 16th BRICS Summit will signal the future trajectory of this evolving alliance and its role in shaping global governance in the years to come.