PM Modi departs for Kazan BRICS Summit, meeting Putin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s departure for the BRICS Summit in Kazan marks his second visit to Russia in 2024. Earlier this year, in July, he traveled to Moscow to participate in the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, where he held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, defense, and energy. The upcoming summit in Kazan will provide another opportunity for Modi to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside other BRICS leaders, to address key global challenges and explore collaborative efforts. This visit underscores India’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations with Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Russia on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, embarking on a two-day visit to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. This high-profile international event, held under Russia’s chairmanship, is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 24. The summit brings together leaders from BRICS member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as well as other invited leaders, who will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation on pressing global issues.
The visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s second trip to Russia this year. His previous visit in July 2024 was for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including trade, defense, and energy cooperation. The return to Russia underscores the significance India places on its relationship with the country, especially in the context of multilateral forums like BRICS.
Ahead of his departure, Modi expressed optimism about the summit, stating, “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there,” in a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). His remarks indicate the expectation of substantial outcomes from the summit, especially with topics like global economic stability, sustainable development, climate change, and technological innovation likely to be on the agenda.
Key Objectives and Expectations for the BRICS Summit
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan is seen as a critical platform for member nations to discuss current global challenges and explore solutions for shared progress. Under Russia’s chairmanship, the summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, sustainable growth, digital transformation, and climate change initiatives. Additionally, geopolitical issues, including regional security and the global economic outlook in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, will likely shape the discussions.
For Prime Minister Modi, the summit presents an opportunity to underscore India’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable world order. As a major player in the Global South, India is expected to advocate for reforms in global governance institutions to better reflect the aspirations of developing countries. Modi’s emphasis will likely be on expanding BRICS’ role in providing leadership on global issues such as trade imbalances, climate action, and healthcare access.
Bilateral Meetings and Key Discussions
During his visit to Kazan, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of BRICS member countries, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Russian President These meetings will provide an opportunity to address bilateral concerns and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. The interactions could cover various areas such as trade and investment, defense collaborations, scientific research, energy security, and cultural exchanges.
The bilateral meeting with President Putin will be of particular significance, given the historical and strategic ties between India and Russia. The two leaders are expected to discuss ongoing collaborations in areas like defense technology and energy resources, along with recent geopolitical developments. The meeting may also address India’s participation in Russian-led initiatives and the development of alternative trade routes to bolster economic relations amid global tensions.
Modi’s anticipated interactions with President Xi Jinping are also noteworthy, as India and China seek to manage their bilateral relationship amid border disputes and growing regional competition. Any discussions could pave the way for easing tensions and expanding trade relations, as both countries play significant roles in the global economy.
India’s Vision for BRICS and Global Leadership
India has consistently championed the BRICS platform as a means to foster a multipolar world order. At the Kazan summit, Modi is expected to reiterate India’s commitment to multilateralism and advocate for a more significant role for BRICS in global decision-making processes. India aims to strengthen economic cooperation among BRICS countries, particularly in areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Moreover, Modi’s agenda will likely include discussions on climate action, where India has emerged as a strong advocate for sustainable practices and green technology. He may propose increased cooperation on green energy projects, as well as technology-sharing agreements to support climate resilience efforts in developing countries. India’s leadership in renewable energy initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, will be highlighted as part of its strategy for promoting clean energy within the BRICS framework.
The Road Ahead for BRICS
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan is an opportunity to build consensus on critical global issues while reaffirming the group’s commitment to economic cooperation and development. The discussions in Kazan will shape the trajectory of BRICS’ engagement with other international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. By advocating for reforms in these institutions, BRICS aims to give a stronger voice to emerging economies and promote equitable global governance.
As Russia takes the lead in hosting the summit, expectations are high for actionable outcomes that can further strengthen BRICS’ role in addressing global economic disparities and fostering inclusive growth. The outcomes of this summit may pave the way for future collaborations, particularly in sectors such as energy security, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation underscores India’s strategic interest in leveraging the BRICS platform to advance not only its own developmental goals but also to contribute to a balanced international order. Through active engagement in multilateral discussions, India continues to position itself as a key player in shaping the global agenda.