Kazan. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a BRICS summit on Wednesday, bringing together leaders from China, India, and other nations, as part of Russia’s efforts to counter Western global influence. Attendees included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The BRICS strategy in the global arena conforms with the strivings of the main part of the global community, the so-called global majority,” Putin said at the start of Wednesday's meeting. “This approach is especially relevant in the current conditions when truly radical changes are underway across the globe, including the shaping of a multipolar world.”

The agenda included strengthening financial cooperation, exploring alternatives to Western-controlled payment systems, resolving regional conflicts, and expanding the BRICS bloc, which now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership, and other nations have shown interest in joining.

The summit, held in Kazan, involved 36 countries, reflecting the limited impact of US-led attempts to isolate Russia over its involvement in Ukraine. The Kremlin described it as the largest foreign policy event it has ever hosted.

Russia's push for a new payment system that could circumvent Western sanctions and replace the SWIFT network was a major focus. Putin accused the US of weaponizing the dollar, forcing Russia to seek alternatives. He proposed the creation of a BRICS investment platform to support economies of Global South and East countries.

“It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” he said. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.”

In a joint declaration, summit participants voiced concern over "unlawful unilateral coercive measures" and pledged to enhance financial cooperation, supporting faster, more efficient, and inclusive cross-border payments.

Xi Jinping emphasized BRICS' role in global security and called for it to become a central channel for cooperation among Global South nations, advocating for reforms in global governance. He also highlighted a peace plan for Ukraine proposed by China and Brazil, though Ukraine has rejected the plan.

“We must uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames and strive for swift deescalation of the situation,” Xi said of the Ukrainian conflict.

Modi echoed calls for dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that India supports peaceful resolutions rather than war. His visit marked his second to Russia in three months, underscoring India’s longstanding ties with Moscow.

“We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war,” Modi said during Wednesday's BRICS meeting in remarks carried by the Indian foreign ministry. 

“As a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can play a positive role in all areas,” Modi said.

Putin also held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to strengthen relations between Russia and Iran, discussing plans for a strategic partnership treaty.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was set to meet Putin on Thursday, his first visit to Russia in over two years. The Ukrainian government criticized Guterres' trip, but the UN defended it as standard practice for engaging with major global organizations like BRICS.

Guterres is expected to reaffirm his stance on the Ukraine war and push for the restoration of safe navigation in the Black Sea, essential for global food and energy security.

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