Modi to Visit Russia Next Week for 16th BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia next week to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place on October 22-23 in Kazan. The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, will bring together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss pressing global challenges and strengthen cooperation among the BRICS nations.

The theme for this year’s summit, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” reflects the group’s focus on reinforcing international collaboration, promoting fair global governance, and addressing pressing issues like economic disparities and geopolitical instability.

Focus on Global Multilateralism

The BRICS nations have become an influential force in global governance, with the group representing 41% of the world’s population, 24% of global GDP, and over 16% of world trade. This year’s summit theme underscores the importance of multilateralism as the world faces growing uncertainties, including economic challenges, security concerns, and the ongoing need for sustainable development.

According to a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “The Summit will offer a valuable opportunity to assess the progress of initiatives launched by BRICS and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.” Discussions are expected to center on enhancing economic ties, increasing trade among member countries, and strengthening security cooperation to address shared concerns.

Modi’s Bilateral Meeting with Putin

In addition to attending the BRICS Summit, Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Putin on October 22. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the summit and is anticipated to focus on the progress of various bilateral agreements between India and Russia.

The invitation for this meeting was extended by Putin during a September meeting with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, at the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in St. Petersburg. “We will be expecting Mr. Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there to close the books on our joint work in implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow,” Putin said in a Kremlin statement.

Expanding BRICS Influence

The BRICS group, originally formed as BRIC in 2006, expanded in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. The group’s influence has grown steadily over the years, and this year, additional Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, have been brought into discussions. This expansion reflects the group’s growing relevance in shaping global economic and geopolitical landscapes.

Putin emphasized the importance of BRICS in the global economy during a recent statement, noting that “the BRICS group will generate most of the global economic growth in the coming years, thanks both to its size and relatively fast growth compared with that of Western developed nations.” This highlights the strategic importance of BRICS as a counterbalance to Western-dominated international institutions.

India’s Role in BRICS

India, as a founding member of BRICS, plays a pivotal role in shaping the agenda and priorities of the group. Modi’s participation in this year’s summit underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships within the BRICS framework. The discussions at the summit are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including digital transformation, sustainable development, and initiatives to enhance the economic resilience of member nations.

Modi’s visit to Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit will be his second trip to the country this year, following his earlier visit to Moscow in July. This highlights the growing strategic importance of Russia-India relations within the BRICS framework and beyond.

Conclusion

The 16th BRICS Summit presents an important platform for India and other member nations to collaborate on addressing shared global challenges. Under the theme of multilateralism, this year’s summit is expected to bring significant discussions on global development and security, positioning BRICS as a vital player in shaping the future of international relations.

As Prime Minister Modi prepares to meet with global leaders and engage in critical discussions, his bilateral meeting with President Putin will also serve as an important moment for reinforcing India-Russia ties and charting the course for future cooperation.