Today the curtain rose on the sixteenth summit of the BRICS to Kazanin Russia, an event that will last until October 24th and has already attracted global attention. The summit aims to strengthen economic cooperation between members and respond decisively to Western sanctions. And what better opportunity for Moscow to demonstrate that, despite the diplomatic isolation due to the war in Ukraine, its international relations remain solid and strategic? A far from simple undertaking, especially given the context, but a challenge that the Kremlin he seems determined to rally, vigorously waving the banner of diplomatic resilience.
TO Kazan representatives of 36 nations arrived, including 22 heads of state and government, accompanied by six international organizations. The names of important leaders such as those of China, India, South Africa, Iran and Egypt stand out, ready to write a new page in global relations.
The BRICSfounded in 2009 and initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded its composition to include the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia. These countries represent as much as 45% of the world population and around 35% of global GDP, numbers expected to grow by the end of the decade. During the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed the importance of a “multipolar platform” in which BRICS countries can collaborate without Western interference.
One of the key points of the summit is the development of the so-called ‘BRICS Bridge’a digital cross-border payments platform designed to circumvent the dollar-dominated global financial system. The Economist reports that Putin is pushing this new infrastructure hard, with the aim of reducing the impact of Western sanctions. However, the project is not without obstacles: “Russian officials in the financial sector are skeptical, as building a digital platform without the involvement of major BRICS banks seems like a complicated undertaking”the political analyst noted Alexander Morozov.
What is keeping attention high on the summit is above all the eagerly awaited meeting on Thursday 24 October between Vladimir Putin And António GuterresSecretary General of the United Nations. It will be the first face-to-face meeting in Russia for over two years and the confrontation promises to be tense, with the Ukrainian crisis at the center of the discussions, an issue that continues to divide the international community. According to reports from the Kremlin, the dialogue will focus not only on “current international issues”but also on the delicate situation in the Middle East. However, the decision to Guterres to meet Putin has already attracted harsh criticism, especially from Ukraine, which accuses him of “compromise the reputation of the United Nations” and not to contribute to peace, as reported by the AGI agency.
Guterreswhich has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion, had called for a “just peace” based on respect for international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. However, his meeting with Putin takes place in a climate of growing distrust towards the multilateral system and international institutions. Confirming Russian determination, Yuriy Ushakovclose advisor to Putin in matters of foreign policy, he declared: “This summit is a platform for Russia to demonstrate that attempts to isolate it have failed”.
During the summit, the leader of the Kremlin had a meeting with the Chinese president Xi Jinpingfurther strengthening the already solid collaboration between Russia and China. Xi stated that “Beijing will continue to support the development of BRICS and intensify efforts for closer economic cooperation.” China, Moscow’s main trading partner, is seeing its influence grow within the group. Also India, represented by the Prime Minister Narendra Modiintervened reiterating her commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. “We are ready to offer all the support necessary to achieve lasting peace”he stated Wayswho participated in bilateral talks with Putin.
A theme of great relevance in this year’s summit is the expansion of BRICS. Other nations, such as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, have shown interest in joining the group. However, tensions remain within the organization, with China pushing for rapid expansion, while India prefers a more cautious approach. Relations between China and India remain difficult, complicated by unresolved territorial issues and economic competition. Furthermore, tensions between Iran and Arab countries, represented by the United Arab Emirates, test the cohesion of the bloc.
This summit marks a decisive moment for the future of the bloc BRICS and for the Russiawhich seeks to exploit this international showcase to reaffirm its geopolitical relevance despite the harsh sanctions. The presence of leading figures such as Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi underlines the growing weight of BRICS as the fulcrum of a multipolar world order. But the key match will probably be on Thursday between Putin And Antonio Guterreswith the Ukrainian crisis at the center of discussions, an issue that promises to further intensify already heated geopolitical tensions.
