BRICS Summit Highlights Modi's Push for Peaceful Resolution in Ukraine Conflict
During the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict in his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The summit, taking place from October 22 to 24, marks Russia's largest international engagement since the conflict began in 2022. Modi conveyed India's dedication to finding a diplomatic solution, stating, "We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We totally support efforts to quickly restore peace and stability."
Putin praised the relationship between Russia and India, referring to their "privileged strategic partnership" and expressed his desire to enhance bilateral ties further. Since the initiation of the conflict, India has maintained a delicate diplomatic stance, offering humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while refraining from directly condemning Russia’s military actions. Modi's trips to Kyiv in August and Moscow in July seek to bolster India's standing as a potential mediator in the crisis.
The summit attracted the attendance of approximately two dozen other leaders, including influential figures like Chinese President Xi Jinping, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Central to the discussions was Putin's proposal for a BRICS-led payment system to challenge SWIFT, the international financial network, from which several Russian banks have been excluded since 2022. The escalating tensions in the Middle East were also high on the agenda.
Despite the United States discounting the prospect of BRICS becoming a significant geopolitical rival, they have raised concerns about Moscow's diplomatic outreach amid the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Putin for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, complicating his diplomatic engagements, including in previous gatherings.
Putin's assertion that the BRICS summit is a diplomatic success reflects Russia's ongoing efforts to reinforce its international standing, particularly as it has forged stronger alliances with nations like China, Iran, and North Korea in a context perceived by some as a counterbalance to Western influence. Modi's dialogue with Putin underscores India's intent to navigate complex global relationships while advocating for stability.
As added layers of complexity play out, with various countries viewing the conflict through divergent lenses, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of a Russian victory, warning that it could embolden other countries with adversarial ambitions.
Reflecting heightened security protocols in Kazan, reports indicated a robust police presence and restricted movement in the city, indicative of the tensions tied to the war. Local authorities advised residents to remain home, illustrating the palpable atmosphere surrounding the summit.
BRICS, initially founded with four members in 2009, has since expanded to include other emerging nations, creating a platform rife with internal differences, particularly visible in the relationships between members like India and China, and the complex roles of other allies. Turkish aspirations to join the bloc further complicate the dynamics of this gathering.
In a notable absence, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva canceled his attendance due to health concerns, further underscoring the unpredictability surrounding the summit and its key actors. Against this backdrop, the ongoing discussions aim to address not only the Russia-Ukraine conflict but also broader geopolitical shifts that may redefine international relations in the years to come.
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