PM Modi to Attend BRICS Summit in Russia: Key Talks on Multilateralism, Bilateral Meetings Expected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kazan, Russia, from October 22-23, 2024, to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit. This event, hosted under the chairmanship of Russian President Vladimir Putin, will bring together the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Modi’s participation highlights the continued engagement of India within the BRICS grouping, with key discussions expected on global multilateralism, economic cooperation, and security.

This trip will be PM Modi’s second visit to Russia in 2024, following his earlier visit to Moscow in July, where he participated in the India-Russia Annual Summit. During the upcoming visit, Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings, particularly with President Putin and other BRICS leaders, to advance cooperative agreements and assess the future trajectory of BRICS.

Strengthening Multilateralism and Global Security

The theme of this year’s BRICS Summit, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” reflects the commitment of the BRICS nations to addressing current global governance challenges. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India emphasized that the summit would provide a crucial platform for member countries to evaluate ongoing initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration.

India’s involvement in BRICS has focused on fostering a multipolar world, where emerging economies can assert greater influence in global affairs. The BRICS bloc, comprising 41% of the global population, represents a significant portion of the world’s GDP (24%) and international trade (16%).

According to the MEA, the summit discussions will likely focus on issues like sustainable development, trade cooperation, security challenges, and the reform of international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Modi-Putin Bilateral Talks to Focus on Strategic Partnerships

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended a personal invitation to PM Modi in September 2024, emphasizing their strong diplomatic relationship. The two leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, where they will review the progress made in implementing previous agreements between the two nations. These discussions will likely center on key areas such as defense cooperation, energy, and economic partnerships.

President Putin’s warm invitation to Modi underlined their close rapport, with Putin referring to Modi as a “good friend.” This gesture, coming amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signals the importance of maintaining strong India-Russia relations.

The two leaders last met in July 2024 during Modi’s visit to Moscow, where India and Russia agreed to strengthen their partnership, particularly in the fields of energy cooperation and defense manufacturing. Notably, PM Modi was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, during his previous visit, further signifying the deep ties between the two countries.

BRICS Expansion and Emerging Dynamics

BRICS, originally formed as BRIC in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 to include South Africa, solidifying its current structure. In recent years, BRICS has continued to evolve, and on January 1, 2024, the grouping welcomed new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, transforming it into a 10-member bloc. This expansion reflects the growing influence of BRICS in global economic and political matters.

The inclusion of these new nations is expected to broaden the focus of the group, especially in areas such as energy security and trade. India, as one of the founding members, continues to play a pivotal role in driving BRICS initiatives. Modi’s leadership within the group has emphasized economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and climate action.

BRICS: A Key Platform for Global Economic Cooperation

As one of the leading groupings representing emerging economies, BRICS provides an essential forum for addressing global economic disparities and fostering inclusive growth. The upcoming summit is expected to build on previous discussions related to global trade, supply chain resilience, and digital transformation.

One of the significant achievements of BRICS in recent years has been the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, China. India has played an active role in shaping the bank’s agenda, focusing on funding infrastructure projects across BRICS and other emerging economies.

BRICS members are also working toward reducing reliance on the US dollar for international trade, promoting local currencies within the bloc, and supporting the transition toward sustainable energy sources. These efforts are likely to feature prominently in the upcoming summit discussions.

India’s Strategic Objectives at the BRICS Summit

For India, participation in the BRICS summit comes at a critical time, as the country seeks to enhance its global standing while balancing relations with major world powers. In light of geopolitical shifts, particularly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, India has maintained a neutral stance, advocating for diplomatic dialogue and resolution. PM Modi’s recent outreach to both Russia and Ukraine underscores India’s role as a mediator in international conflicts.

During the summit, India will likely focus on fostering greater cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and energy. The potential for new collaborations, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure, will be a focal point for Modi’s bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders.

A Key Diplomatic Engagement for India

PM Modi’s visit to Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit underscores the importance of India’s role within the global community. With key discussions on multilateralism, security, and economic collaboration on the agenda, this summit offers an opportunity for India to strengthen its ties with other emerging economies. Modi’s bilateral talks with Putin are expected to further solidify the India-Russia strategic partnership, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

As the global order continues to shift, India’s involvement in BRICS remains a critical component of its foreign policy, promoting a balanced approach to global governance and international cooperation.