On the eve of the BRICS summit in Kazan, leaders of the five-member bloc were treated to a gala concert featuring a performance of the iconic Russian folk-style song “Kalinka.” Delegations, including prominent leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were seen enjoying the cultural showcase as part of the evening programme hosted by Russia.

The song “Kalinka,” composed in 1860 by Ivan Larionov, is a well-known piece of Russian folklore, often associated with traditional performances. It gained international recognition after World War II, popularized by the Alexandrov Ensemble, the official choir of the Russian Armed Forces. The performance added a cultural flair to the diplomatic gathering in Kazan, where Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship as part of its rotational presidency.

The first day of the summit saw crucial bilateral meetings, including one between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi also met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. A significant moment is set for Wednesday when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet for the first bilateral talks in five years. This meeting is particularly noteworthy, as both India and China recently agreed to disengage troops and resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a long-standing flashpoint between the two nations.

Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Modi expressed the importance of BRICS as a platform for dialogue on global development issues. He emphasized that the expansion of the group, which included new members last year, has increased its inclusivity and strengthened its role in addressing global challenges.

The Kazan summit, set against the backdrop of high-level diplomacy, cultural performances, and the renewed focus on cooperation within BRICS, is expected to further shape the bloc’s influence on the global stage.