The BRICS Summit 2024, which brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has become a pivotal platform for shaping global governance and addressing key international issues. Day 2 of the summit highlighted significant discussions around strengthening the global South and its position in a multipolar world. The event not only focused on economic collaboration and expansion but also tackled pressing geopolitical challenges such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Strengthening the Global South

One of the key takeaways from Day 2 of the summit was the renewed commitment to empowering the global South. Russian President Vladimir Putin led the charge, emphasizing the need for BRICS to present a viable alternative to Western-dominated global governance. He called for stronger alliances in critical sectors such as finance, technology, and infrastructure. Putin’s message underscored the importance of positioning the global South as a unified force that can navigate the complexities of a multipolar world.

This theme of empowering the global South resonates with the underlying objectives of the BRICS nations, which seek to reduce reliance on Western financial institutions and governance structures. Putin’s address also signaled a broader geopolitical shift, as BRICS nations look to assert greater independence in global decision-making. By enhancing cooperation among themselves and other countries in the global South, the BRICS nations aim to challenge the existing world order and create new opportunities for economic and political collaboration.

Tackling Geopolitical Conflicts

Another critical aspect of the summit was the closed-door discussions between key leaders, including Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Vladimir Putin, about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. These discussions were kept away from public scrutiny, but it was revealed that both Brazil and China took the lead in proposing diplomatic resolutions to the conflicts. Brazil’s role as a peace broker is notable, as it reflects the country’s increasing influence in global diplomacy under President Lula da Silva.

China, too, has been active in promoting peace, with President Xi Jinping leveraging the country’s global economic power to advocate for stability in regions impacted by conflict. These diplomatic efforts underline BRICS’ desire to play a more prominent role in global peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The emphasis on diplomatic dialogue, rather than military intervention, aligns with the bloc’s long-term vision of fostering global stability through peaceful means. While the details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the participation of BRICS nations in these crucial conversations highlights their growing influence in international geopolitics.

Expanding the BRICS Alliance

Expansion was a central topic during Day 2 of the summit, with over 30 countries expressing interest in joining the BRICS group. The idea of expanding the alliance reflects the growing global appeal of BRICS, especially among developing countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated economic systems. However, the expansion also brings challenges, as leaders need to ensure that BRICS’ geopolitical purpose remains intact amid the rapid inclusion of new members.

Discussions centered on the criteria for new membership, focusing on how future members can contribute to BRICS’ broader objectives. While the expansion promises to bolster the alliance’s influence, it also requires careful management to maintain its focus on promoting economic collaboration, innovation, and geopolitical independence. Leaders emphasized the need for any new members to align with BRICS’ core values of cooperation, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

In parallel, the summit featured significant conversations around developing alternative financial systems to counterbalance Western financial institutions. The discussions highlighted China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a key pillar in this strategy, reinforcing China’s role in driving infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Russia’s contribution to global energy security also took center stage, as President Putin reiterated the importance of energy collaboration within BRICS to ensure economic growth and stability.

India and Brazil, for their part, prioritized economic development, exploring how they can contribute to the group’s financial and infrastructure goals. By pushing for new partnerships and innovative financial solutions, these nations are taking steps to enhance their domestic growth while supporting the larger BRICS mission. This collaborative approach is essential for strengthening the global South and reducing dependence on Western financial systems.

Bilateral Relations and Strategic Dialogues

Apart from collective discussions, bilateral meetings were also a highlight of Day 2. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin discussed expanding oil imports and strengthening trade ties between India and Russia. This dialogue reflects the growing importance of energy security and trade diversification in India’s economic strategy. For Russia, expanding oil exports to India provides a critical lifeline amid Western sanctions, making this partnership mutually beneficial.

Meanwhile, Xi Jinping focused on strengthening China’s economic ties with Russia while managing a delicate balance in relations with India. As two major players in the BRICS group, China and India have their own strategic interests, and managing this dynamic is crucial for the stability of the alliance. The summit also saw Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocating for Turkey’s membership in BRICS, positioning Turkey as a strategically autonomous nation capable of contributing to the group’s economic and geopolitical goals.

Erdogan’s push for membership underscores the broader appeal of BRICS as an inclusive platform for countries seeking to establish greater independence from Western influence. His proposal adds another layer to the expansion discussions, raising important questions about how BRICS will manage its growth and maintain its focus on empowering the global South.

A Stronger Global South in a Multipolar World

As BRICS continues to evolve, the summit reaffirmed its mission of empowering the global South. From addressing geopolitical conflicts to expanding the alliance and strengthening bilateral ties, Day 2 of the BRICS Summit 2024 highlighted the bloc’s growing influence in global governance. Leaders reiterated the need to challenge Western dominance by building alternatives in finance, infrastructure, and trade.

As the global South rises, BRICS’ role in fostering cooperation, promoting peace, and ensuring economic stability becomes even more critical. By focusing on strategic alliances and collective growth, the BRICS nations are positioning themselves as a united force capable of shaping the future of global governance. The summit’s discussions underscore the importance of sustained collaboration and innovation, as BRICS continues its journey towards empowering the global South in a multipolar world.