The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, brought together global leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi, for discussions focused on defying what some consider the Western liberal order.
Russian President Vladimir Putin saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate that U.S.-led efforts to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine have failed. With over 36 countries attending, including 20 heads of state, the Kremlin aimed to showcase its support for developing economies, mainly from the Global South.
BRICS, originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its membership to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. More nations, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia, have expressed interest in joining.
The summit is seen as part of the Kremlin’s strategy to strengthen economic and financial ties with these countries while sidestepping Western sanction
BRICS Summit in Russia Strengthens Ties Among Emerging Economies, Defies Western Sanctions and Influence
s. A key proposal is the development of an alternative payment system to bypass the global SWIFT network, which is crucial for Russia to maintain trade with its partners.
The summit highlighted the growing bond between Xi and Putin, who solidified a “no-limits” partnership just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two leaders have already met multiple times this year, emphasizing their alignment on global issues.
This relationship has been a cornerstone of the summit, with China playing a significant role in supporting Russia’s stance against Western pressure. On the sidelines, Putin also held meetings with other leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.
Russia’s cooperation with India remains strong, despite the complexities of its relationship with China, India’s regional rival. Modi emphasized his country’s historical ties with Russia and reiterated India’s call for peace in Ukraine without directly condemning Russia’s actions.
Western powers have pressured India to take a firmer stance against Russia regarding the war, but Modi has continued to navigate a neutral path, balancing its partnerships with both Russia and the West.
The summit is expected to conclude with further bilateral meetings, including one between Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has been critical of Russia’s role in Ukraine.
Guterres’ visit marks his first trip to Russia in over two years and is likely to feature discussions on Ukraine and other global issues. For Putin, this summit underscores Russia’s efforts to align with emerging economies and challenge Western influence.
