Kazan, Russia— The BRICS summit kicked off in Kazan under Putin’s leadership, emphasizing its aim to boost its global authority. In a significant display of international solidarity, 36 world leaders gathered in Kazan, Russia, for the 16th BRICS Summit. The three-day event, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has drawn attention as a platform for countries to assert their growing influence while resisting Western pressure. Key attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other prominent leaders of developing economies.
The BRICS bloc, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include nations such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Several others, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia, have applied for membership, signaling the group’s increasing global relevance.
For Putin, the summit represents a strategic opportunity to highlight Russia’s defiance against U.S.-led sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov described the summit as “the largest foreign policy event ever held by Russia,” emphasizing the participation of over 20 heads of state.
A central theme of the summit is economic cooperation, with proposed initiatives including the development of an alternative payment system to the SWIFT network. Such a system would allow Russia and its allies to bypass Western sanctions and foster trade relationships with a growing number of partners.
On the summit’s opening day, Putin held bilateral meetings with several key leaders, including Xi Jinping, Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Russian leader underscored the significance of Russia’s partnership with China, calling it “one of the main stabilizing factors on the world stage.” Xi and Putin have met multiple times this year, strengthening a relationship that both leaders have characterized as a “no-limits” partnership.
The summit serves as a stark reminder of the West’s failure to diplomatically isolate Russia. The group photo, featuring Xi and Modi alongside Putin, symbolizes the growing influence of BRICS nations, particularly as they seek to expand their economic and geopolitical clout amid rising global tensions.
Observers view the BRICS summit as part of the Kremlin’s strategy to demonstrate broad support from the Global South, while furthering economic and financial ties that challenge Western dominance in international affairs.
