BRICS Summit 2024: Live Updates from Kazan
The 2024 BRICS Summit, taking place in the historic city of Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, is a pivotal gathering for the member nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year’s summit is particularly significant as it marks the first formal interaction between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in five years. The backdrop of this meeting is a recent thaw in relations between India and China, following a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions over their long-standing border disputes.
A Historic Bilateral Meeting
On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are set to hold their first bilateral talks since 2019. This meeting comes after both nations reached an agreement to resume regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a region that has been a flashpoint for military standoffs in recent years. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the meeting, emphasizing its importance in the context of improving bilateral relations.
The last interaction between Modi and Xi occurred in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, just months before the deadly clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020. The upcoming talks are seen as a crucial step in rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two nations, which have historically been both competitors and partners in various global forums.
Opening Remarks by President Putin
As the summit commenced, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered an opening address, highlighting the ongoing transformation towards a "multipolar world order." He described this shift as dynamic and irreversible, signaling Russia’s commitment to fostering a collaborative international environment. Putin’s remarks resonate with the broader goals of BRICS, which seeks to enhance cooperation among emerging economies and provide a counterbalance to Western dominance in global affairs.
UN Secretary General’s Participation
Adding to the significance of the summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Kazan, marking his first meeting with President Putin in over two years. Guterres is expected to engage with various leaders at the summit, addressing pressing global issues, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. His presence underscores the importance of BRICS as a platform for dialogue on international peace and security.
Modi-Putin Bilateral Discussions
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to meet with President Putin during the summit. The two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including political cooperation, economic ties, defense collaboration, energy partnerships, and cultural exchanges. Modi extended an invitation to Putin to visit India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit next year, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Peace Initiatives and Global Concerns
During the summit, Russia expressed support for a peace initiative on Ukraine proposed by China and Brazil. This proposal, discussed in bilateral meetings, reflects the BRICS nations’ collective interest in addressing global conflicts through diplomatic means. The summit has brought together approximately 20 leaders from various countries, including Turkey and Iran, to deliberate on critical issues such as establishing a BRICS-led international payment system and addressing the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The Evolution of BRICS
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, has evolved significantly over the years. The group was renamed to include South Africa in 2010, and it has since expanded to include new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as of January 1, 2024. The 2024 summit in Kazan marks the sixteenth gathering of this influential bloc, which aims to enhance cooperation among emerging economies and promote sustainable development.
Conclusion
The BRICS Summit 2024 in Kazan is shaping up to be a landmark event in international diplomacy, with significant discussions taking place on bilateral relations, global peace initiatives, and economic cooperation. As leaders from diverse nations converge to address pressing global challenges, the outcomes of this summit could have far-reaching implications for the geopolitical landscape in the years to come. The interactions between Modi, Xi, and Putin, along with the participation of other global leaders, will be closely watched as the world navigates an increasingly complex international environment.