The 16th Summit of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—was held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024 under the chairmanship of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Leaders across nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (via videoconference), participated in the summit.
The leaders adopted a document called Kazan Declaration during the summit.
The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security. The leaders endorsed the expansion of BRICS partnership with Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) and commended the Russian BRICS Chairship for hosting the ‘BRICS Plus’ Dialogue with participation of EMDCs from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East under the motto BRICS and Global South: Building a Better World Together.
The summit provided a crucial platform for strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the BRICS nations, the New Development Bank (NDB), and other EMDCs.
The summit, which saw participation from over 30 delegations, including 22 heads of state or government and several international figures like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the NDB, Dilma Rousseff, marked a diplomatic triumph for Russia. Notably, for the first time, a NATO member—Turkiye—attended the summit and expressed interest in joining BRICS.
The 17th BRICS Summit will be held in Brazil in 2025.
Some Highlights of the Kazan Declaration
Strengthening multilateralism for a more just and democratic world order The BRICS leaders emphasised the need for a more equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, international law, and UN principles, stressing the central role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security.
The leaders called for reforming global governance, increasing representation of EMDCs in international organisations, and strengthening the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.
They condemned unilateral coercive measures, including illegal sanctions, and stressed the importance of cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, and human rights. The leaders further emphasised the need for sustainable development, poverty eradication, and inclusive growth.
In the areas of finance, BRICS leaders advocated for a strong and effective Global Financial Safety Net, quota-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform, and increased representation of EMDCs in leadership positions.
Enhancing cooperation for global and regional stability and security The leaders emphasised the importance of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law, particularly in conflict situations. They further expressed concern over the humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, notably Gaza and Lebanon. They condemned the terrorist attacks and advocated for the sovereignty of states like Syria and Lebanon. The leaders reiterated for peace, dialogue and adherence to UN resolutions.
The summit underscored the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, including efforts in Ukraine, Sudan, and Afghanistan. It highlighted support for African-led peace initiatives, non-proliferation, disarmament and global security, including prevention of weaponisation of outer space. They called for full implementation of key agreements like the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and UN Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation.
The leaders stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation in countering terrorism, illicit financial flows and the misuse of new technologies. They emphasised on a balanced approach to non-proliferation and peaceful technological exchanges. Further, they committed to preventing terrorism and radicalisation alongside for the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and strengthening of BRICS counter-terrorism efforts.
The BRICS leaders committed to addressing global challenges such as drug trafficking, organised crime, corruption and cybercrime. They further stressed international cooperation on anti-corruption efforts, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) security, and combating misinformation. BRICS also supported the development of common ICT standards and a legal framework for cybersecurity and emphasised on the importance of information integrity and digital literacy for combatting radicalisation and conflicts.
Fostering economic and financial cooperation for just global development The BRICS leaders emphasised on reforming international financial systems, addressing debt vulnerabilities and using blended finance for infrastructure. Leaders expressed their support for the NDB’s role, expanding local currency use in trade and improving cross-border financial cooperation for fostering inclusive economic recovery and development.
The leaders emphasised on the importance of financial stability through the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) and supported its expansion, including the use of alternative currencies. The need for secure and resilient global supply chains and digital infrastructures and acknowledging the role of emerging technologies like 5G and Artificial Intelligence in driving development were highlighted as well. The significance of fair data governance, including cross-border data flows were underscored. The summit further called for enhanced cooperation on e-commerce, consumer protection, and agricultural resilience, particularly for smallholder farmers. BRICS 2024 reaffirmed its commitment towards not only advancing the New Industrial Revolution through initiatives like the Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) but also developing Industry 4.0 skills. Additionally, the group stressed the need for increased support for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as drivers of economic growth, while focusing on inclusive, sustainable digital transformation and international AI governance. BRICS encouraged the UN to lead global AI capacity-building efforts and supported the creation of a fair, transparent global framework for AI development.
BRICS reaffirmed its support for the BRICS Institute of Future Networks (BIFN) and encouraged active participation in its study groups, alongside its efforts to the development of BRICS Platform on Digital Public Goods. It stressed the importance of fair, inclusive, and sustainable energy transitions with a focus on energy security and universal access to affordable energy while supporting the Paris Agreement. The summit called for adequate financial support for energy transitions, particularly for developing countries and rejected unilateral protectionist measures like carbon border adjustments. The members further emphasised the need for cooperative frameworks on carbon markets and welcomed the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform. The establishment of the BRICS Climate Research Platform was highlighted, alongside support for active climate adaptation projects, low-emission technologies and sustainable financing. Additionally, the leaders praised the efforts put on to enhance collaboration in the field of mineral resources and geological services marking the first steps towards a BRICS Geological Platform for sustainable development of crucial resources.
The BRICS nations reiterated their commitment to addressing environmental challenges including the development of the Clean Rivers Initiative under the BRICS Environmentally Sound Technology Platform and supported the Kimberly Process for the regulation of rough diamond trade and promotion of conflict-free diamonds, strengthening trade in precious metals.
The BRICS nations would continue to enhance their cooperation in various areas, including customs, taxation, disaster management, labour, and justice. The leaders welcomed the development of the Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement and the BRICS Authorised Economic Operator Joint Action Plan for strengthening customs collaboration and promotion of mutual recognition of economic programmes. Heads of the BRICS nations adopted the Tax Authorities Governance Framework and supported the UNGA’s resolution on inclusive international tax cooperation and the development of the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation for fair and effective global tax system. They further emphasised on deepening cooperation in justice, with a focus on investment frameworks and addressing investor grievances, including the establishment of the BRICS International Investment Arbitration Centre.
The BRICS nations acknowledged on enhancing cooperation in Science Technology and Innovation (STI) through joint research, funding for startups and developing the STI Framework Programme. The leaders wanted to prioritise on building STI capacities, fostering innovation, supporting vocational education and expanding BRICS Network University. Initiatives like Geographer’s Day and New Technological Platform were further promoted.
Strengthening people-to-people exchanges for social and economic development The BRICS nations reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across media, culture, education, sports, and youth. They supported cultural and heritage preservation through initiatives like the BRICS Culture Festival and Film Festival. They emphasised the role of culture in sustainable development and promoted sports as well, including traditional and indigenous games and youth exchanges in areas like education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. BRICS 2024 committed to enhance parliamentary interaction and dialogue among political parties for strengthening cooperation. BRICS supported women’s empowerment and recognised their key role in development and supporting initiatives like the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and the BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum.
India at the 16th BRICS Summit 2024
Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, participated in the 16th BRICS Summit on October 23, 2024 and addressed two sessions of the summit. He emphasised the need for people-centric approach for tackling global challenges like conflicts, climate change, and cyber threats. He also called for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention International Terrorism at the UN. He stressed the importance of global governance reforms and highlighted India’s leadership in hosting the Voice of Global South Summits. He underscored the role of BRICS in boosting economic growth through trade facilitation, resilient supply chains and the promotion of MSMEs. He further invited the BRICS nations to join India’s green initiatives including the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE—LiFEStyle For Environment.
Prime Minster Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, in Kazan, on October 23, 2024. They welcomed the recent agreement on complete disengagement and resolution of border issues that arose in 2020 emphasising the importance of managing differences without disrupting peace. The two leaders agreed that special representatives would meet soon to oversee peace and tranquillity in the border areas and seek a fair solution to the boundary issue. Additionally, they highlighted the need for dialogue at the Foreign Minister and official levels for stabilising and strengthening bilateral ties. Both the leaders affirmed that stable relations between both the countries would positively impact regional and global peace, contributing to a multi-polar Asia and world. They further discussed the importance of advancing bilateral ties with a long-term, strategic perspective and enhancing cooperation for addressing developmental challenges.
About BRICS
BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Earlier, it was BRIC and was formed in 2001. South Africa joined the group in 2010. The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC foreign ministers on the margins of the UNGA in New York in 2006. BRIC was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill to describe the fast-growing economies which would collectively dominate the global economy by 2050. The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
On January 1, 2024, BRICS welcomed four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia received an invitation to join but has not yet accepted it, while Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, declined the invitation.
However, even after the addition of these nations, the name of BRICS would remain the same as the officials feel it is a brand in itself.
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