At the recent BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the group should not position itself as an alternative to existing global institutions. His remarks come amidst efforts by founding members like Russia and China to expand BRICS as a counterweight to the US-led global order.
“We must ensure that BRICS does not develop an image of attempting to replace global organizations,” Modi stated during a closed plenary session. He urged the group to focus on reforming established bodies such as the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions.
Modi’s comments highlight the delicate balance India is maintaining between its relationship with Russia—an essential supplier of affordable oil—and the United States, which is offering advanced technology to boost India’s manufacturing sector. Furthermore, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in their first bilateral talks in two years, indicating a thaw in relations after a prolonged border dispute.
This summit marked the first gathering since BRICS expanded to include nine members, with the addition of the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the enlarged group as representative of a “multipolar world.”
Modi expressed a desire for BRICS to serve as a “unifying force” that advocates for global reform, signaling openness to new nations joining as “partner countries” rather than full members. Additionally, the summit’s declaration raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, particularly regarding the ongoing violence in Palestinian territories.