A Growing Gathering: BRICS and Beyond

In the Russian city of Kazan, a significant meeting is taking place. Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting leaders from China, India, and other countries, in what is known as the BRICS summit. This group initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but now also counts Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia as members. Countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia are even considering joining. The goal? To strengthen financial ties and create alternatives to Western-dominated systems. Putin announced plans for a new payment system to help Moscow avoid sanctions. The leaders also discussed regional conflicts, like the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of BRICS in global security, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the platform's positive role in various areas. Modi's visit marks his second trip to Russia in three months, showing the solidarity between the countries despite Ukraine's rejection of peace plans backed by China and Brazil. In fact, Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the summit, showing the wide range of international ties involved. With so many countries attending, the summit serves as a reminder of the shifting global dynamics.