The Russian city of Kazan is currently playing host to a significant summit of the BRICS bloc—a gathering that promises to reshape the international discourse on alliances and economic cooperation among developing economies. With leaders including China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa in attendance, the Kremlin is keen to showcase this three-day meeting as a counter-narrative to the perceived dominance of the Western liberal order, particularly in the wake of the geopolitical shifts initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin views this summit as an opportunity to highlight the failure of United States-led strategies aimed at isolating Russia on the global stage. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov emphasized the magnitude of the event, claiming it to be “the largest foreign policy event ever held” by Russia, with participation from 36 countries of which over 20 are led by heads of state.
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa, BRICS has expanded significantly, now including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia among its ranks. In a further sign of its growing influence, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied to join the bloc, illustrating the shifting sands of global alliances.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin share a rapport strengthened by their mutual interests and previous agreements. During a meeting on the summit’s sidelines, Xi referred to a “profound friendship” between China and Russia. “The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the international situation is chaotic and intertwined,” he stated, further asserting that their partnership has been pivotal in upholding international equity and justice.
This camaraderie is underscored by the “no-limits” partnership they announced weeks before the Ukraine conflict began. Their meeting in Kazan marks another chapter in their ongoing dialogue, as they foray into comprehensive strategic coordination and practical cooperation signifying their divergent path against Western hegemony.
Kazan is not only a stage for China and Russia; India remains a key player. Even as the West urges India to take a firmer stance in urging Russia towards peace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained a diplomatic stance that prioritises engagement. Modi lauded the enduring ties during his brief meeting with Putin, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to peace while sidestepping direct condemnation of Moscow.
“We continue to see Russia as a valued ally, as a valued friend,” declared South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his discussions with Putin, echoing a sentiment shared by leaders from nations with historical ties to Russia. He praised the support Moscow provided during South Africa’s fight against apartheid, framing the relationship as an unshakeable alliance.
Adding to the summit’s significance, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected to meet with Putin on Thursday—his first visit to Russia in more than two years—against a backdrop of ongoing criticism of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.