Kazan, Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to Delhi after participating in the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, where he engaged in crucial bilateral meetings with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit, held against the backdrop of global uncertainties, focused on key issues such as multilateralism, economic growth, and the concerns of the Global South.
Strengthening Global Cooperation: BRICS Leaders Expand Partnership
The BRICS leaders held extensive discussions on bolstering multilateralism, combating terrorism, promoting economic growth, and addressing climate and cyber threats. A major highlight of the summit was the inclusion of 13 new BRICS partner countries, further expanding the group’s influence in global governance.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for BRICS to adopt a “people-centric approach” to navigate the numerous global challenges. He underlined the importance of early adoption of a comprehensive United Nations convention on international terrorism, urging BRICS to lead efforts in global governance reforms. Modi’s call to action reflects the growing expectation on BRICS to take a more active role in shaping international norms amidst geopolitical instability.
Focus on the Global South and Economic Growth
In line with India’s long-standing commitment to addressing the concerns of the Global South, Modi reiterated the importance of prioritizing these nations in BRICS’ agenda. Drawing from the Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India during its G20 presidency, he stressed that BRICS must work to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries, especially in areas like trade, infrastructure, and technology.
Modi also highlighted BRICS’ contributions to boosting economic growth through trade facilitation, resilient supply chains, and e-commerce. Special economic zones and a focus on agriculture are creating new avenues for economic cooperation, while the upcoming BRICS Startup Forum, an India-led initiative, is set to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the bloc.
Green Initiatives and Sustainable Development: India’s Role in Climate Action
Prime Minister Modi took the opportunity to elaborate on India’s recent green initiatives, inviting BRICS nations to join efforts like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Mission Life. He further underscored India’s commitment to sustainable development through the green debt initiative announced during COP28, which aims to balance environmental protection with economic progress.
Bilateral Engagements with Global Leaders
On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Modi’s bilateral meetings with Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Xi Jinping were closely watched by political analysts. His discussions with President Putin come just three months after his last visit to Russia in April, reinforcing India-Russia ties amid a complex global landscape. These talks are seen as pivotal in shaping India’s diplomatic stance on critical global issues, including energy security, defense cooperation, and regional stability.
Adoption of the ‘Kazan Declaration’ and the Path Forward for BRICS
The summit concluded with the adoption of the ‘Kazan Declaration,’ a document that reaffirms BRICS’ commitment to addressing global challenges through collective action. Modi extended his congratulations to President Putin for successfully hosting the summit and conveyed his best wishes to Brazil, which will assume the BRICS presidency next year.
As the second Test of India’s relations with the BRICS nations concludes, the outcome of the summit points to a continued push for reforms in global governance, multilateral cooperation, and an inclusive economic agenda, especially with a strong focus on the Global South. India’s proactive role in these developments signals its growing leadership on the world stage, with Modi’s diplomatic engagements highlighting a path forward for deeper international cooperation.
