At the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his stance on peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi emphasized the importance of resolving the war diplomatically, urging a swift end to hostilities. As the leader of one of the world’s largest democracies, Modi’s appeal for peace at this crucial gathering highlighted India’s delicate balancing act in global geopolitics, particularly its relations with Russia and the West.
This year’s BRICS summit, held in the shadow of the Ukraine war, was a high-profile event, not only for its focus on geopolitical challenges but also for the broader themes of global economic realignment. While Western powers continue to impose sanctions on Russia, the BRICS alliance—comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has emerged as a counterbalance, representing a collective desire among rising economies to challenge Western dominance. Putin, eager to strengthen Russia’s international standing despite the sanctions and diplomatic isolation, hailed the gathering as proof that Western efforts to isolate Moscow have been unsuccessful.
India’s Diplomatic Tightrope
India has been treading a fine line throughout the Ukraine conflict. While Modi’s government has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine and expressed concern over the violence, it has avoided direct condemnation of Russia’s actions. New Delhi maintains a “strategic partnership” with Moscow, rooted in defense, energy cooperation, and historical ties dating back to the Cold War.
Modi’s diplomatic efforts, including previous visits to both Moscow and Kiev, have positioned India as a potential mediator in the conflict. His meeting with Putin at the BRICS summit reinforced India’s call for a peaceful resolution, underscoring the country’s desire to maintain neutrality and offer a platform for peace talks. Modi’s insistence that disputes must be settled peacefully and his push for rapid stabilization highlight India’s hope to avoid entanglement in the larger geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West.
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BRICS as a Platform for Realigning Global Power
As the Ukraine war continues to impact global markets and international relations, BRICS has emerged as a powerful platform for countries outside of the traditional Western sphere of influence. Putin’s agenda at the summit focused heavily on strengthening ties within the BRICS bloc, including discussions on creating a BRICS-led financial payment system to challenge the dominance of SWIFT, from which Russian banks were cut off due to sanctions.
The summit also saw participation from other key global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicating BRICS’ growing importance as a global forum. With nations like Egypt and Iran joining BRICS, and even NATO-member Türkiye expressing interest in joining, the bloc is expanding its reach and influence.
Putin’s message was clear: BRICS represents a “multipolar world” where global power is no longer concentrated in Western hands. The summit highlighted Russia’s ability to gather support from other emerging economies, countering Western narratives about the Ukraine conflict. Moscow’s strengthened ties with China, Iran, and other non-Western countries demonstrate that while Russia faces isolation from the West, it is building new alliances to challenge U.S. and European hegemony.
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Internal Divisions and Challenges for BRICS
Despite its expanding membership, BRICS faces internal challenges. Relations between key members, particularly India and China, are strained due to border disputes and competition for regional dominance. While Modi and Xi were both present at the summit, their interactions were limited, reflecting the tensions between the two Asian giants.
Moreover, while BRICS seeks to present a united front, its member states have different interests and political systems. Russia and China, both authoritarian states, view the bloc as a tool for countering Western influence, while democratic countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa may have more complex relationships with the West.
Turkish President Erdogan’s participation at the summit, despite Türkiye’s NATO membership, signals the growing complexity of global alliances. As the world shifts towards a more multipolar order, BRICS must navigate these internal contradictions if it hopes to become a more cohesive and influential group.
Read more:Iran, Egypt, and BRICS: Is This the Beginning of a New Global Power Bloc?
Conclusion: A New World Order in the Making?
The BRICS summit in Kazan showcased a world in flux. As the Ukraine conflict continues to reshape international relations, BRICS has positioned itself as a key player in the emerging multipolar world. For Russia, the summit was an opportunity to display its resilience against Western pressure, while for India, it offered a platform to push for peace and diplomacy.
As BRICS expands, it could offer an alternative to the U.S.-led global order. However, internal divisions and competing interests will test the bloc’s ability to function as a cohesive force. Modi’s call for peace in Ukraine and Putin’s vision of a multipolar world both reflect the growing desire among many countries to reshape the global balance of power, moving away from a Western-dominated system to one that is more inclusive of diverse perspectives and interests.
