Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit holds particular significance as it not only highlights India’s active role within BRICS but also includes crucial bilateral talks with global leaders, especially Putin. The summit offers a platform for discussions on multilateralism, development, and security, with global implications.
Understanding BRICS and India’s Role
BRICS is a key economic and political grouping, bringing together five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Established in 2009, the group represents a substantial portion of the global economy and population. Together, BRICS countries account for 41% of the world’s population, 24% of global GDP, and over 16% of global trade. The inclusion of South Africa in 2010 expanded its influence beyond Asia and Latin America, giving the group greater representation in global affairs.
India, as a founding member of BRICS, plays a pivotal role in the group’s mission to promote multilateralism and reform global institutions. It actively engages in discussions aimed at enhancing economic cooperation, addressing development challenges, and advocating for fairer global governance. India’s leadership has also focused on utilizing the BRICS platform to advance issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and global security.
PM Modi’s Visit to Kazan for the BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia comes as part of the 16th BRICS Summit, which is being held under the chairmanship of Russia. This year’s summit theme, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” reflects the group’s ongoing efforts to address pressing global issues such as economic inequalities, security threats, and sustainable development.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the summit will offer an opportunity for leaders to evaluate the progress made on past BRICS initiatives and identify new areas for cooperation. These initiatives span various sectors, including finance, health, and technology. Modi’s visit will also include bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders, where discussions will likely focus on enhancing trade ties, technology exchanges, and regional security collaboration.
Strengthening India-Russia Relations
One of the key highlights of PM Modi’s trip to Kazan is his expected bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 22. This meeting was proposed by President Putin during his meeting with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, in September. At that time, Putin extended an invitation to Modi, expressing his desire to meet and discuss the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The relationship between India and Russia has been marked by mutual respect and cooperation in various fields, including defense, energy, and space exploration. In July 2024, PM Modi visited Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, where he was conferred with Russia’s highest civilian award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle. This honor reflects the close ties between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of strategic cooperation in the face of global challenges.
During the upcoming bilateral talks, Modi and Putin are expected to review the progress made since their July meeting and outline future goals. Discussions may include joint projects in the fields of energy, defense, and nuclear cooperation, with particular focus on the Rosatom nuclear energy collaboration. The two leaders are likely to also address regional security concerns, especially with regard to geopolitical tensions and their impact on global energy supplies.
India’s Key Role at BRICS
Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the BRICS Summit in Kazan underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its leadership role in global governance. Through active participation in BRICS, India aims to promote multilateral cooperation, economic growth, and security, while ensuring that the voices of emerging economies are heard on the world stage. Modi’s bilateral meeting with President Putin will further bolster India’s strategic ties with Russia, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in various fields and addressing critical global issues.
(With inputs from agencies)
