Digital News Desk:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently attending the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, held from October 22-24, 2024. This high-profile meeting brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), along with the new members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—who joined last year, marking a significant expansion of the bloc. With a theme focused on “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” the summit provides an essential platform for discussions on global economic and political challenges, fostering cooperation among emerging economies.
India’s Strategic Role in BRICS
As one of the founding members of BRICS, India has always been a critical player in the group’s agenda. Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the summit underscores India’s commitment to promoting multilateralism in global governance. Modi has consistently emphasized that BRICS represents a significant counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and that the group’s role is essential in reforming the global financial architecture.
India’s position within BRICS has evolved over the years, with the country pushing for greater focus on equitable global development, particularly in technology, trade, and climate change. In his addresses at the summit, Modi is expected to advocate for the use of emerging technologies, the promotion of digital public goods, and greater collaboration among member states on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Key Issues at the 2024 BRICS Summit
The summit takes place against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, China’s economic slowdown, and growing concerns about global trade imbalances. India, as the world’s fifth-largest economy, seeks to leverage the BRICS platform to address these challenges while promoting cooperation among developing nations.
One of the central topics of discussion is likely to be the war in Ukraine. While India has refrained from directly condemning Russia, it has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Modi’s participation in the summit will also involve bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Ukraine is expected to be on the agenda. In September 2024, Putin personally invited Modi to this summit, emphasizing their strong personal rapport and the importance of their bilateral relationship.
Another key focus is the expansion of BRICS itself. With the inclusion of new members, the group now represents over 41% of the global population, 24% of global GDP, and 16% of world trade.
This expanded membership reflects the bloc’s growing influence, and discussions are expected to revolve around how to enhance trade and investment among BRICS countries. Modi, as a strong advocate for South-South cooperation, is expected to push for more inclusive trade policies that benefit the Global South and strengthen intra-BRICS commerce.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Apart from the main summit discussions, Modi’s visit to Russia also includes bilateral talks with Putin. This meeting is significant given the deep historical ties between India and Russia, particularly in defense, energy, and space collaboration. Modi’s earlier visit to Russia in July 2024 was marked by the Indian Prime Minister receiving Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, which further cemented the diplomatic relationship.
During these bilateral talks, Modi is likely to address key issues such as energy cooperation, particularly in light of global energy market volatility. Russia remains a crucial energy supplier for India, and discussions may explore ways to further enhance this partnership. Additionally, space cooperation, following the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, and defense collaborations are expected to be on the agenda.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan underscores India’s continued commitment to strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges through collective action. As BRICS expands its membership and influence, Modi’s focus on reforms in global governance, economic collaboration, and digital development showcases India’s strategic vision for a more inclusive and balanced world order. With key bilateral talks with Russia and other BRICS members, Modi’s engagement at the summit is poised to further solidify India’s leadership role in shaping the future of global cooperation.
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