In the days ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin will engage in meetings with several global leaders, including Xi Jinping of China, Narendra Modi of India, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, and Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran. This gathering will take place in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday as part of a summit for the BRICS alliance, a coalition of emerging economies. Contrary to expectations that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and an international warrant for his arrest would isolate Putin, he is ready to showcase alliances that counterbalance the influence of the West.

The BRICS coalition, originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen significant growth this year, attracting new members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia as of January. Countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have expressed intentions to join, further expanding the bloc’s reach. Officials from Russia view this development as a significant accomplishment, with Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov announcing that 32 nations will participate, with more than 20 sending high-ranking officials. According to Ushakov, the summit could potentially be the most significant foreign policy event ever hosted in Russia.

Experts argue that the Kremlin is keen on the optics of united support from global allies amidst ongoing confrontations with Western powers. Additionally, it provides a critical opportunity for Russia to negotiate advantageous deals to bolster its economy and support its military endeavors. For participating nations, it is a chance to elevate their perspectives on the global stage. Alexander Gabuyev, from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, emphasizes that being part of BRICS entails minimal obligations and could open doors to increased interactions with influential leaders.

For Putin, this summit embodies a personal victory as it undermines Western attempts to isolate him. Gabuyev notes that it demonstrates to both domestic and international audiences that “Russia is an important player leading a new coalition” opposed to Western supremacy. The meetings will also facilitate discussions with key players like India and China to enhance trade relations and circumvent Western sanctions. India serves as a vital market for Russian commodities, while Moscow relies on China for essential dual-use technologies and military goods.

Furthermore, Russia aspires to expand participation in a payment system designed as an alternative to the global SWIFT system, enabling trade without the burden of sanctions. Gabuyev explained that the goal is to create a platform including influential countries that are significant partners for the U.S., making it less likely for Washington to impose sanctions on it.

At the summit, Russia is anticipated to solidify a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty with Iran, affirming their increasingly close cooperation. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Iran has supplied Russia with drones and assisted in production efforts within its borders. Although both nations have denied these drone deliveries, they have been instrumental in a constant campaign of strikes aimed at Ukraine’s infrastructure. For Iran, receiving advanced Russian military hardware would be pivotal for defense against potential threats from Israel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on whether the treaty will entail mutual military assistance.

For China, BRICS represents one of several international platforms alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organization where it aims to challenge the U.S.-dominated global framework. Xi Jinping has actively advocated for expanding BRICS, and the Kazan summit is expected to fortify economic, technological, and military collaborations among the new members. According to Willy Lam, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, both Beijing and Moscow are interested in creating a new international currency to counteract dollar dominance. The summit will also provide an opportunity for Xi and Putin to highlight their close ties, having established a “no-limits” partnership shortly before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Nevertheless, analysts are cautious about signs indicating Xi’s potential distancing from Putin due to the ongoing war.

The Modi-Putin discussions may signal a recalibration in their relations, as Western allies encourage India to play a more constructive role in urging Russia to deescalate the conflict. While Modi continues to refrain from condemning Russia, he has reiterated the importance of pursuing peaceful resolutions. India regards Russia as a longstanding ally, particularly in defense and energy sectors, even as ties between Moscow and India’s primary rival, China, deepen. This encounter will follow Modi’s earlier diplomatic engagements with both Russia and Western leaders.

India and Brazil perceive BRICS primarily as a means to achieve fairer global power dynamics, while China and Russia approach it as a platform for geopolitical agendas. Both India and Brazil are wary of becoming overly influenced by China, according to experts. Turkey, which has recently sought membership in BRICS, reflects growing frustrations with the West amid stalled EU accession talks and strained relations with the U.S. The anticipated BRICS membership would enable Erdogan to consolidate his position at a time when ties with Western nations are deteriorating, as noted by analysts who assert that middle powers like Turkey often navigate between rival blocs to maximize their advantages.