BRICS Summit in Russia: Leaders Gather to Challenge Western Dominance

Tue Oct 22 2024
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KAZAN, Russia: Two dozen world leaders convened in Kazan, Russia, on October 22 for a BRICS summit, aiming to challenge Western dominance and promote a multipolar world order.

This meeting marks the largest international gathering in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine and underscores President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to break Western isolation. Notable attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The BRICS summit, brings together world leaders to discuss shifting global power dynamics and challenge Western dominance. This marks the largest international gathering in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, demonstrating Moscow’s effort to defy Western isolation.

A major focus of the summit is President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a BRICS-led payment system to rival SWIFT, which Russian banks were disconnected from due to Western sanctions. Leaders will also address global issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Russia views the BRICS alliance as pivotal in establishing a multipolar world order, free from U.S.-led influence. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov emphasized that BRICS represents a democratic alternative to Western hegemony, promoting sovereignty and mutual respect. Putin is expected to hold bilateral meetings with key leaders, including Xi and Modi, to solidify partnerships and discuss regional stability.

However, internal divisions within BRICS remain, especially between India and China. Despite these challenges, the summit reflects Russia’s ability to maintain strong diplomatic relations and grow BRICS into a force countering Western power structures.

Additionally, UN Secretary General António Guterres is expected to attend, marking his first visit to Russia since April 2022. The West is closely watching the event, concerned that Russia is using BRICS to expand its influence and push its narrative on the Ukraine conflict. Despite these concerns, BRICS continues to grow, recently adding countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Iran.

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