BRICS Summit in Russia: Global South Leaders Unite to Counter Western Influence

World leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathered in Kazan, Russia, for the BRICS summit. This meeting of developing economies is seen as a platform for Russia to counter Western influence. Russian President Vladimir Putin views the summit as a chance to show that US-led efforts to isolate Russia over Ukraine have not succeeded.

The BRICS alliance, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded. New members include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Countries like Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership. Observers believe the summit aims to strengthen ties with the Global South amid rising tensions with Western nations.

BRICS Summit Focuses on Economic Alternatives

One of the key proposals at the summit is creating a new payment system. This system would serve as an alternative to SWIFT, allowing Russia to bypass Western sanctions and trade with partners more freely. The Kremlin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov described it as "the largest foreign policy event ever held" by Russia, with 36 countries attending and over 20 represented by heads of state.

Putin plans to hold around 20 bilateral meetings during the summit. He met with Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before the event's official start. Xi and Putin had previously declared a "no-limits" partnership just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. They have already met twice this year in Beijing and Kazakhstan.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

During his meeting with Xi Jinping, Putin described Moscow-Beijing relations as "one of the main stabilising factors on the world arena." He expressed a commitment to "expand coordination on all multilateral forums for global stability and a fair world order." Xi noted that "the international situation is undergoing serious changes," highlighting the unique nature of Russia-China ties.

Russia's relationship with India remains strong despite its close ties with China. New Delhi views Moscow as a reliable partner since the Cold War era. Western allies hope India will persuade Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. However, Modi has refrained from condemning Russia directly while advocating for peace.

India's Role in Global Diplomacy

"We fully support the quickest establishment of peace and stability," stated Modi during his last visit to Russia in July. Putin praised what he called a "privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India." The Russian president also discussed efforts with Ramaphosa to create a "new independent payment system" within BRICS.

On Thursday, Putin is scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This will be Guterres' first visit to Russia in over two years. He has consistently criticised Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The BRICS summit serves as a significant event for showcasing alliances beyond Western influence. It highlights efforts to develop economic alternatives and strengthen partnerships among member countries.