Global Leaders Converge in Kazan for Pivotal BRICS Summit

Leaders including China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi arrive in Kazan for a BRICS summit aimed at countering Western influence. The meeting marks an effort by Russia to demonstrate global support despite tensions over Ukraine. The BRICS bloc is expanding, with potential economic projects underway.

In a significant geopolitical event, global leaders like China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi gathered in Kazan for the BRICS summit. The meeting serves as a strategic platform for Russia to counter Western influence and demonstrate resilience against US-led sanctions over its Ukraine actions.

The summit, touted by Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov as Russia's most significant foreign policy event, attracts 36 countries, including new aspirants for BRICS membership like Iran and Egypt. The gathering aims to reinforce ties with the Global South, highlighting the bloc's rapid expansion and economic ambitions.

Proposed initiatives such as a new payment system seek to provide alternatives to the SWIFT network, aiding Moscow amidst Western sanctions. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin is engaging in extensive diplomacy with bilateral meetings, including discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres despite ongoing critiques over Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)