India places great importance on its cooperation within BRICS, a significant platform for addressing key global developmental issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday. The Prime Minister made these remarks before embarking on a two-day visit to Kazan, Russia, for the 16th BRICS summit.
“The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good,” PM Modi emphasized. His statement reflected India’s commitment to the group’s growth and its role in shaping the global discourse.
The BRICS summit, hosted by Russia this year, is being viewed as an effort by non-Western nations to strengthen their global influence, especially in light of ongoing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia. The meeting provides an opportunity for member countries to discuss pressing international concerns and further their shared interests.
During his visit, PM Modi is set to hold several bilateral meetings, including discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. These meetings are expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit. This year’s summit is of particular significance as it will be the first one after BRICS expanded its membership in Johannesburg in 2023.
“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, and promoting cultural and people-to-people connectivity, among others,” said PM Modi in his departure statement. This highlights India’s multifaceted engagement with BRICS and its interest in addressing a broad range of issues that are crucial to global stability and progress.
Modi’s visit to Kazan is expected to further strengthen the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. He reiterated the importance of this partnership by recalling his previous visit to Moscow in July 2024, where he held discussions with President Putin. The ongoing dialogue between the two countries underlines the deep historical and strategic ties they share.
“Building upon the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia,” Modi said. His words suggest that the Kazan visit will serve as a continuation of the strong bilateral relationship that India and Russia have cultivated over the years.
Aside from reinforcing ties with Russia, Modi expressed his anticipation of meeting with other BRICS leaders. “I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well,” he said. His statement reflects India’s eagerness to strengthen relationships within the group, particularly as it plays a pivotal role in promoting a more balanced global order.
In a post on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi mentioned that he was looking forward to engaging in wide-ranging discussions at the summit. The summit’s agenda is expected to cover various important topics, including global economic trends, regional security, and the expansion of BRICS’ role on the world stage. India’s active participation in these discussions underscores its aspiration to influence global policies through multilateral platforms like BRICS.
The BRICS grouping, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was formally established after a meeting of these countries’ leaders in St. Petersburg in 2006. South Africa joined the group in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS and further diversifying the group’s representation.
Last year, BRICS underwent its first membership expansion since South Africa’s inclusion. The expansion added four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. “The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good,” Modi highlighted, indicating how the growth of the group enhances its influence and scope in addressing global challenges.
This expansion has been widely regarded as a strategic move by BRICS, enabling it to bring in diverse perspectives from countries across different regions. It also signals the growing importance of BRICS as a counterbalance to Western-led multilateral organizations, particularly at a time when global tensions are on the rise. With the inclusion of new members, BRICS is positioned to have a broader impact on world affairs, and India’s role within the group continues to be crucial in shaping its direction.
India’s commitment to the BRICS framework stems from its belief in a multipolar world where emerging economies can have a greater say in global governance. The platform allows member nations to collaborate on critical issues such as economic growth, sustainable development, and political cooperation, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the global order more effectively. As Modi mentioned, BRICS is instrumental in advancing discussions on issues like reformed multilateralism, climate change, and economic partnerships.
Moreover, India sees BRICS as a key platform for promoting inclusive growth and development across the Global South. The addition of new members from Africa and the Middle East further amplifies this mission. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE bring unique geopolitical perspectives and economic potential to the group, further enhancing its ability to address the diverse challenges faced by emerging economies.
BRICS’ focus on fostering resilient supply chains and enhancing economic cooperation is particularly important in the current global context. With supply chains severely disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions, the group’s emphasis on this issue aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen its own supply chains and promote economic resilience. Additionally, BRICS offers an important platform for member countries to share knowledge and collaborate on innovations in areas like climate change and digital infrastructure.
PM Modi’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of BRICS for India’s foreign policy. The platform not only offers India an opportunity to engage with other major economies, but also provides a space for it to champion the causes of developing nations. As global dynamics shift, BRICS continues to evolve as a crucial player in the international system, and India’s leadership within the group will be instrumental in shaping its future.
India remains deeply committed to BRICS as a key multilateral platform for global dialogue and cooperation. PM Modi’s participation in the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan reaffirms India’s belief in the group’s potential to drive positive change on a global scale. Through bilateral meetings and multilateral discussions, India is poised to continue playing a vital role in BRICS, advocating for inclusive development, economic cooperation, and a more equitable world order. As the group grows with the inclusion of new members, its impact on global governance is set to expand, with India at the forefront of this transformation.