The Prime Minister’s two-day trip to Russia includes bilateral meetings with world leaders, focusing on multilateralism and economic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off for Kazan, Russia, where he will attend the 16th BRICS Summit, running from October 22 to 24. This journey marks Modi’s second visit to Russia this year, following his attendance at the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in Moscow last July.

As Modi boarded his flight, he took to social media, sharing his enthusiasm for the summit. “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to participate in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The theme of this year’s summit, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” underscores the growing need for cooperation in addressing pressing global issues. The Ministry of External Affairs has highlighted that this platform will facilitate critical dialogues among leaders regarding the global developmental agenda, climate change, economic cooperation, and more.

One of the significant aspects of Modi’s itinerary will be a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This encounter is particularly noteworthy given the current geopolitical climate. As tensions continue due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the summit serves as an opportunity for Russia to showcase its resilience against Western isolation.

China’s President Xi Jinping is also attending the summit, although there has been no confirmation of a meeting between him and Modi. The presence of both leaders at the summit signals the importance of collaboration within the BRICS framework, especially as they navigate the complexities of international relations.

The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now represents a significant portion of the global demographic and economic landscape, accounting for approximately 45 per cent of the world’s population and 35 per cent of its economy, based on purchasing power parity. However, China’s economic strength is substantial, making up more than half of the bloc’s total economic power.

Vinay Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Russia, has reiterated India’s commitment to the principles of BRICS, emphasising that the group serves as a foundational platform for dialogue. “India values the close cooperation within BRICS, which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue on the global developmental agenda,” Kumar stated.

This year’s summit also presents opportunities for institutional development within BRICS, including discussions around the integration of invited countries as full members. This topic has gained traction amid calls for a more inclusive approach to global governance.

The summit holds particular significance as it is the largest meeting of its kind in Russia since the deployment of troops to Ukraine. The Russian leadership is keen to demonstrate that efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow have not succeeded, and the participation of international leaders at this summit supports that narrative.

International dynamics are also influenced by the United States’ stance on BRICS. The U.S. has dismissed suggestions that BRICS could emerge as a geopolitical rival but remains concerned about Russia’s efforts to expand its diplomatic influence during these tumultuous times.

Adding to the summit’s high profile is the participation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will be making his first trip to Russia since April 2022. Guterres is scheduled to meet with Putin on Thursday, highlighting the significance of this gathering in the context of international diplomacy.

The summit’s agenda promises a robust discussion on various topics, with Modi likely to engage with leaders on pressing issues affecting their nations. The focus will include enhancing economic cooperation, addressing climate change, and building resilient supply chains, all of which are vital for ensuring sustainable development in the member countries.

As Prime Minister Modi embarks on this crucial mission, the eyes of the world are on Kazan, where leaders will gather to forge paths towards greater multilateralism and collaboration in an increasingly complex global landscape.