The upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan is set to be a significant event, uniting leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian politician Masoud Pezeshkian. The gathering, scheduled for Tuesday, represents Russia’s resilience in the face of Western isolation amid ongoing speculation about the impact of the Ukraine conflict and an international arrest warrant on Putin’s diplomatic engagements.
BRICS, initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen considerable expansion this year, welcoming new members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied for membership, with various other nations expressing interest in joining the bloc.
Russian officials are optimistic about the summit, claiming it as a significant achievement. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, 32 countries have confirmed attendance, including over 20 heads of state. Ushakov noted that Putin intends to conduct around 20 bilateral meetings during the event, which could potentially mark “the largest foreign policy event ever held” in Russia.
The increased importance of BRICS stems from its role as a platform for collaboration among member nations, particularly for Russia. The summit serves as both a symbolic and practical demonstration of Russia’s alliances despite ongoing tensions with the West. From a practical standpoint, the Kremlin is expected to use the summit to negotiate agreements that could bolster its economy and support its war efforts.
For the participating countries, the summit provides an opportunity to enhance their international narratives. China and India are particularly vital partners for Russia, as Moscow seeks to expand trade relations and navigate around Western sanctions. India has become a key purchaser of Russian commodities, while China could supply critical dual-use goods necessary for Russia’s military objectives. Furthermore, Russia is looking to garner support for an alternative payment system designed to bypass the global SWIFT network. The goal is to establish a platform that includes major players such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, which could be less susceptible to U.S. sanctions.
Iran’s participation is also noteworthy, as the country is anticipated to formalize a strategic partnership with Russia. This development comes in the wake of allegations that Iran supplied drones to Russia during the Ukraine conflict, a claim both nations have denied. In exchange for its support, Iran is seeking advanced Russian weaponry to bolster its defenses against perceived threats from Israel.
China, for its part, views BRICS as a means to advocate for alternatives to the U.S.-led global order. The nation has been a strong proponent of expanding the bloc, and the summit in Kazan will further deepen economic, technological, and military cooperation among its members.
While Putin aims to showcase his close ties with Xi, analysts are watching closely for any signs of subtle distancing from China, particularly concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as Xi attempts to maintain a neutral stance. Modi is expected to navigate a careful balance, preserving India’s historical relationship with Russia while being mindful of Western pressure to encourage a peaceful resolution in the conflict.
Erdogan, frustrated with Western policies, is likely to use the summit to strengthen Turkey’s position and maneuver within the shifting landscape of global power dynamics.
Ultimately, this summit not only underscores Russia’s capacity to withstand Western isolation but also illuminates the changing nature of global power as emerging economies strive for a more pronounced voice within the international system.
