16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, focusing on global challenges and cooperation. (Oct 22 to 24, 2024) This will be the first summit of the group following its expansion last year. MEMBERS: The grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (added in 2010), has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Note: Inclusion of Saudi Arabia is not clear as they have neither denied but the country is considering its membership. Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied, and a number of others expressed a desire to be members.

WHAT WILL BE ON AGENDA?

  • PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, with the main discussions set for Wednesday.
    • India views BRICS as crucial for global multipolarity and addressing global challenges.
    • The foreign secretary said the grouping also serves as a vital platform to tackle a range of global challenges, while also contributing to shaping a fairer, more inclusive and open international order.
  • Leaders are expected to adopt the Kazan declaration, shaping the future path for BRICS cooperation.
  • Modi will be shaking hands with multiple world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian. He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with some BRICS leaders.
  • PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold bilateral meet and are expected to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
  • While no official confirmation has been made, there is speculation that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit.
  • India aims to build on the target of $100 billion bilateral trade with Russia by 2030, which was set when PM visited country last time in July.
    • A key meeting in November will set new sectoral trade targets, led by External Affairs Minister and Russia’s Deputy PM
  • Enhancing cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges, especially in Indian studies and films, is a priority.