With calls for economic stability, environmental action and cultural unity, the Kazan Declaration emerges as a manifesto for South-South collaboration
A few days after India’s External Affairs Minister's historic visit to Islamabad for the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, the most significant annual event of the Global South unfolded in Kazan, Russia: the BRICS summit. Kazan, conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552, marks the end of the Kazan Khanate and the beginning of Russian expansion eastward.
As the local Tatar proverb warns, “If the heavens give, they also take away,” it serves as a sobering reminder of the precarious balance between fortune and misfortune, urging humility and preparedness for inevitable change. This week’s summit signifies a pivotal moment for the Global South, challenging Western dominance while exposing its mockery of international humanitarian laws and the chaos it fuels in West Asia, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon, threatening to plunge the entire world into unprecedented conflict and despair.
As leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and their new members, along with other observers, convene, this summit transcends a mere gathering of nations and boldly asserts the aspirations and capabilities of the Global South. While Brazil’s President Lula da Silva could not attend due to health issues, the voices of his counterparts resonated powerfully, highlighting a profound commitment to cooperation, peace and mutual respect—values starkly contrasting the narrative perpetuated by the West.
At this critical juncture, it is essential to clarify that BRICS, a coalition dedicated to tackling the pressing issues of our time—from economic instability to environmental crises—is not merely a reaction to Western hegemony but a proactive strategy aimed at reshaping the global order based on equity and collaboration.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated during his address, “In a world facing unprecedented challenges, our cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and common interests. The world looks to us for leadership that transcends borders and fosters peace.” Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping insisted, “As we navigate the complexities of a multipolar world, our shared responsibility is to promote peace, stability and development. BRICS must stand as a pillar of support for developing nations, ensuring their voices are heard on the global stage.” This alliance signals a fundamental shift in how nations engage with one another, moving away from zero-sum games toward a collaborative approach that recognises the interconnectedness of global challenges.
As Kishore Mahbubani recently pointed out in an interview with this writer, we are all in the same boat; if the boat is sinking, there’s little value in arguing about who has the bigger cabin. The West, by contrast, continues to entrench itself in a militaristic and hostile narrative, frequently resorting to propaganda that demonises nations like China and Russia. Their actions manifest deadly conflicts that leave the rest of the world in turmoil, profiting from the misfortunes of others.
This perverse approach often disregards the cultural and historical contexts of the Global South, presuming to lecture them on how to behave. The West has abandoned its wisdom; as Henry Kissinger once reflected, “The ability to think and act rationally in the face of adversity is the hallmark of a great power.” The BRICS nations exemplify this capacity, constructively detailed in the Kazan Declaration, prioritising collaboration over confrontation. As President Vladimir Putin asserted during the summit, “Our collective strength lies not in military might but in our ability to forge alliances based on shared interests and mutual respect. It is time for us to reject the outdated paradigms that have long governed international relations.”
The declaration issued at the summit serves as a powerful manifesto for South-South cooperation, highlighting that the true strength of nations lies in their ability to unite for mutual benefit, rather than succumbing to the divisive tactics historically employed by imperial powers. As leaders from BRICS nations deliberate on economic collaboration, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange, they reaffirm their commitment to creating a world where cooperation supersedes historical grievances and petty political squabbles.
This is not a manifestation of warmongering; rather, it represents countries historically struggling to achieve mutual respect and dignity for all citizens. This commitment starkly contrasts the Western obsession with maintaining hegemony through military interventions and economic coercion—shamelessly punishing small nations like Cuba with sanctions while turning a blind eye to the massacre of unarmed civilians in Palestine and Lebanon. Yet, they continue to preach about how to protect democracy and universal human rights. In this precarious period where the West often exploits humanitarian crises as a pretext for military interventions, BRICS champions a principled approach that prioritises dialogue and partnership.
The commitment to peace-building reflects a deep understanding that true security cannot be achieved through military might but through fostering genuine relationships grounded in respect and equality. This summit represents a pivotal call to action, where BRICS nations acknowledge that their strength lies in recognising shared destinies rather than past grievances. Historical lessons caution against allowing mistrust to dictate international relations, as genuine peace stems from understanding and collaboration.
The BRICS summit challenges the prevailing narrative of fear and division. It highlights the urgent need to tackle global challenges like climate change and economic instability, showcasing the Global South's proactive stance in crafting a future rooted in cooperation and collective growth. Let us hope for a better world, where these Asian giants, India and China, will come together to heal historic scars of mistrust, opening more gates for Indo-Pakistani peace, ensuring no room for proxies to manipulate these countries into becoming pawns of the West. Have we been used and manipulated, bullied enough? Is this the final moment for us to unite for greater emancipation?
(The writer is a journalist and author; views expressed are personal)
