During the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s stance on peaceful conflict resolution, specifically in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war. In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi emphasized that India believes all conflicts should be settled through dialogue and expressed India’s willingness to assist in peace efforts.
The summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, saw both leaders embrace and discuss various issues. PM Modi also congratulated the BRICS group for its success and the growing interest from other nations to join the bloc. The summit is expected to conclude with the ‘Kazan Declaration,’ welcoming five new BRICS members.
This visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Russia this year, following his attendance at the India-Russia Annual Summit in July, where he was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.
India and Russia maintain a strong strategic partnership, with Russia being a major supplier of oil to India. Despite criticism from the West, India has stated it will continue to prioritize beneficial trade deals for its citizens. Russia has portrayed the BRICS Summit as a diplomatic win, signaling that Western attempts to isolate it due to the Ukraine conflict have not succeeded.
While the U.S. has downplayed the notion of BRICS becoming a geopolitical challenger, concerns remain about Russia’s growing alliances with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Moscow aims to use the summit to demonstrate its global partnerships and promote a multipolar world, distancing itself from Western influence.
