At the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa came together at a crucial moment in global politics. One of the most significant developments during the summit was the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The dialogue underscored the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, as both countries sought to explore pathways toward peace, especially in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Modi’s Push for Peace
Prime Minister Modi, reaffirming India’s historical role as a mediator, conveyed India’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts for global peace. Modi emphasized that India, with its strong ties to both Russia and Ukraine, was ready to contribute toward finding a peaceful resolution to the war. This sentiment was a continuation of Modi’s consistent approach, as India has advocated for dialogue and a ceasefire from the very onset of the conflict. Modi previously met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a significant move, urging both sides to engage in negotiations without delay. During the summit, Modi reiterated his readiness to mediate, emphasizing the importance of peace for global stability.
India’s position in the conflict remains unique: while it has refrained from condemning Russia, it also maintains close ties with Ukraine. This neutrality makes India a crucial player in any potential peace efforts. The meeting in Kazan showcased how India seeks to leverage this balanced stance to emerge as a global peace broker.
Putin’s Acknowledgment of Modi’s Efforts
In his address, Putin referred to Modi as a “great friend,” symbolizing Russia’s and India’s warm and long-standing relationship. He expressed gratitude for India’s efforts and welcomed Modi’s personal involvement in fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine. This acknowledgment of Modi’s diplomatic efforts is a testament to India’s growing influence in global geopolitics and its potential role in resolving international conflicts. Putin’s praise also reflects Russia’s need for allies amid its increasing international isolation due to the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions
. Geopolitical Implications of the BRICS Summit
Beyond the bilateral meeting, the broader agenda of the BRICS summit highlighted the group’s growing importance in global economic and political matters. With discussions on expanding BRICS to include more nations from the Global South, the summit focused on creating a multipolar world order, reducing dependency on Western financial systems, and encouraging economic collaboration within the Global South. With its growing economic clout, India sees BRICS as a platform to further its strategic goals, including increasing influence in regions like West Asia and Africa.
The inclusion of new member states, such as the UAE, reflects BRICS’ aspiration to counterweight Western-dominated institutions like the G7. This expansion is seen as a way to unite emerging economies and promote cooperation on infrastructure development, climate change, and trade.
India’s Strategic Calculations
For India, the BRICS summit also presented an opportunity to balance its relations between competing global powers. While India has strengthened its ties with the United States and other Western countries, BRICS offers a platform to engage with Russia and China, showcasing its multipolar approach to foreign policy. India’s participation in BRICS complements its involvement in other multilateral groupings, such as the Quad, giving it flexibility in navigating the complex international order.
The summit also delved into discussions on developing a BRICS-centric financial system to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. However, Modi expressed caution about the feasibility of initiatives like de-dollarization, preferring a more pragmatic approach toward using local currencies for trade with viable partners.
In conclusion, the 2024 BRICS summit was a significant event that showcased India’s increasing prominence in global diplomacy. Modi’s meeting with Putin reinforced the historic friendship between Russia and India and highlighted India’s potential as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India’s role in BRICS, alongside its global ambitions, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of international relations, especially within the Global South.