The recent Kazan Summit in Russia ended with some key takeaways from the BRICS. Among the top events of the summit was a meeting by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, to further strengthen diplomatic ties and tackle global pressing issues. The election of Pezeshkian for the presidency in 2024 sets forth a new phase in Iran’s international engagement, with participation by Pezeshkian in the BRICS strengthening his country’s role in the emerging bloc.
Another vital learning from the BRICS Summit was that it witnessed a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In this meeting, Modi committed to helping Russia in finding a solution to the ongoing war with Ukraine-an international cause. It may open a new way for peace diplomacy for BRICS, and henceforth, mark increased leverage in global geopolitics.
13 new countries added to BRICS
The expansion of BRICS is another key takeout from the Summit, with 13 new countries now considered partner nations to the bloc, including Algeria, Belarus, and Indonesia. Such an expansion marks growing popularity for the bloc as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions, playing a vital role in the formation of a multipolar world. This vision found its reflection in the offer of Putin to organize a grain exchange based on BRICS. Now one can trace how a stable agricultural trading platform, being under the control of BRICS, changes the global food security dynamics.
Another significant takeaway from the BRICS Summit was when the collective BRICS countries condemned the Israel attacks thus calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. This position is at a time of heavy tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the broader regional conflict in Lebanon. Such a voice by BRICS on this matter points to its growing interest in peace issues around the world and its ability to act to resolve crises beyond its shores.
Other key takeaways from BRICS
Furthermore, the summit also witnessed the very first bilateral meeting between India and China in five years. That, in fact, marks a powerful breakthrough towards de-escalation of the contest on their respective part of the disputed border. For that, another key takeaway from BRICS Summit will be the guarantee of long-term peace between two of the world’s biggest economies both of which play delicate roles within BRICS.
Lastly, the BRICS Summit aimed at catapulting more economic reforms and cooperation. It talked about transforming the international financial order and importantly, paying foreign trade using local currencies. Putin’s announcement of Iran as a new full member of BRICS further signalled a huge development that further richens the strategic and economic footprint of this bloc. These key takeaways from the BRICS Summit authenticate the growing power that this bloc has in the construction of global governance as well as a veritable opponent to bigger international challenges.
Also, see: Putin to Challenge West at BRICS Summit in Kazan Russia