BRICS 2024: Analyzing the BRICS Summit's Vision for a Multipolar World

Analysis

By Bhavana Sethuraman, Harini Vallal J 

The 16th edition of the BRICS Summit convened in Kazan, Russia, featuring leaders and prominent figures from various nations. This summit was notable as it represented the first gathering following the inclusion of Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The central theme of the three-day event was "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Development and Security." Participants from India, Turkey, China, and Iran engaged in discussions on critical issues related to global multilateral governance, including the establishment of a BRICS-led international payment system and the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Additional topics of discussion encompassed counter-terrorism initiatives, economic collaboration, digitalization, healthcare, and cultural cooperation. On the sidelines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held meetings with President Putin, President Pezeshkian, and President Xi Jinping, shortly after the agreement to disengage troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and indicated potential pathways to resolving the border issue between India and China. The BRICS Summit plays a pivotal role in reshaping the dynamics of global politics, signifying a shift away from Western dominance within the international system.

Day 1: Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the 16th BRICS Summit was attended by approximately 24 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping, and President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his address, President Vladimir Putin underscored the pivotal role that each BRICS nation occupies in the maintenance of international stability and peace. The opening ceremony also marked the induction of four new member nations into BRICS, as leaders expressed their collective endorsement of this expansion. They viewed this development as a means to enhance economic and political influence while simultaneously challenging Western dominance.

Soon after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with President Putin and President Pezeshkian. President Putin and PM Modi discussed critical bilateral concerns, particularly within trade and defence. With a focus on Russia’s oil exports to India, the two leaders also elaborated upon the need to enhance economic cooperation and discussed a potential bilateral trade deal, while highlighting the importance of cooperation when tackling geopolitical challenges. In his meeting with the Iranian President, Prime Minister Modi discussed the importance of enhancing bilateral ties, along with increased cooperation in security and economic matters. The ongoing conflict in West Asia also played a role in their dialogue.

Day 2: Economic Cooperation

Economic cooperation between BRICS nations remained a significant topic discussed during Day 2 of the BRICS Summit, as leaders discussed the formation of a shared currency arrangement that would reduce reliance on the US dollar and improve trade relations. Using local currencies for inter-BRICS transactions was an important highlight, hinting at the move away from West-dominated monetary systems. 

Leaders discussed the rise of cross-border terrorism, and cybersecurity and endorsed India’s Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) initiative. The need for cooperation on counter-terrorism initiatives in order to achieve geopolitical stability was also discussed. Another imperative theme was climate change, and leaders outlined possible measures that could be taken in order to pave the way towards sustainable development. Green infrastructure investments, renewable energy projects and energy collaboration initiatives were discussed among others. Leaders emphasized the need for enhanced environmental cooperation to address pressing climate issues. Issues such as technological and defence cooperation, infrastructure development and multilateral governance were also elaborated upon. The need to strengthen cultural ties through educational exchanges, soft power cooperation and other humanitarian initiatives was also a significant point of conversation

On the bilateral forefront, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping for the first time in years, soon after the disengagement of troops along the LAC line. Their meeting involved deliberations on a possible solution to the border problem and the need for improved trade relations between the two countries. Both leaders expressed the intent to manage differences and cooperate on various global and bilateral issues. 

Day 3: BRICS +

The final day of the Summit, designated as the third day, prominently featured a BRICS Outreach/Plus format. This event not only included the member nations but also welcomed countries seeking to enhance their relationships with the bloc. Leaders and representatives from the nine BRICS member states, alongside 30 leaders from the Global South, participated in the outreach conference. This robust participation effectively challenged the narrative of Russia's isolation resulting from its actions in Ukraine.

One of the most significant developments during this summit was the formal inclusion of new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 13 countries including Turkey, Indonesia, Algeria, Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Uganda were also invited to join the BRICS as partner countries meaning that their entry will not be made official during this summit and further consultations will take place to make their memberships permanent. 

Venezuela’s president, a non-BRICS member, was also in attendance for the BRICS plus summit, he “called for a comprehensive reform of the international financial and monetary system, highlighting the inclusion of Global South countries and reformulation of the United Nations.”

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also called for the reforms of established institutions and mechanisms, more resilient supply chain and stressed on the importance of sharing experiences and new initiatives. He said, “India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, its Unified Payments Interface and the Gati Shakti infrastructure, all hold a larger relevance. The International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and the International Big Cat Alliance are similarly initiatives of common interest. As a First Responder, be it for natural calamities, health emergencies or economic crises, we seek to do our fair share.”

The President of the Palestine Authority also confirmed their intention to join the grouping and stressed that it is important to implement the UN Security Council's decision on a ceasefire, guaranteeing humanitarian access and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.

The session was also attended by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who issued a statement that said: "We need peace in Ukraine. A just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions."

In the end, Putin held a press conference which was attended by around 300 journalists. He discussed the Ukraine conflict, partner members, and other summit negotiations. President Putin expressed that all BRICS countries are committed to achieving a peaceful and swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the bloc's collective stance on supporting diplomatic efforts to bring the crisis to an end.

Key Outcomes of the Kazan Declaration

The Kazan Declaration, a 33 page communiqué was adopted on October 23 after the BRICS summit. This document outlines the areas of cooperation such as geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and the preservation of endangered species and the bloc’s unified stance on addressing them. Under the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," the leaders pledged their commitment to fostering peace, ensuring a fairer international order, and promoting sustainable development.

The declaration outlines several key points addressing global issues with a commitment to peaceful solutions and collaborative progress. On Ukraine, it reaffirms the importance of upholding the UN Charter and supports mediation efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully through open dialogue. Turning to the Middle East, the declaration voices deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, condemning the destruction and violence resulting from Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

On economic matters, BRICS leaders express worries about how unilateral sanctions affect the global economy and hinder sustainable development goals. The declaration calls for reforms to the international financial system to ensure it is more inclusive and just. In support of food security, BRICS welcomes Russia's initiative to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange to facilitate agricultural trade and backs the development of a cross-border payment system to promote local currencies and ease trade.

The feasibility of creating an independent cross-border settlement infrastructure, known as BRICS Clear, is also being considered. The declaration encourages financial innovation through the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism, which supports financing in local currencies. It reaffirms BRICS's commitment to a strong Global Financial Safety Net, centering on a well-resourced IMF, and stresses the importance of a productive G20.

The declaration further supports pandemic preparedness through a BRICS R&D Vaccine Center and endorses India’s International Big Cats Alliance initiative to promote wildlife conservation efforts across member countries, reinforcing BRICS’s commitment to global well-being and environmental preservation.

Disclaimer: This paper is the author's individual scholastic contribution and does not necessarily reflect the organization's viewpoint. 

Bhavana Sethuraman is doing her postgraduate diploma in interdisciplinary research International Studies from FLAME University. She is a research intern at Usanas Foundation. Her current interests include strategic studies, security and the West Asian region.

Harini Vallal J is a final year student pursuing BA in Global Affairs from O.P Jindal Global University.  She is interested in the multilateralism, security and strategy.