Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Russia on Tuesday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. This year marks the group’s first meeting following its expansion last year.
On the sidelines of the summit, being held under the chairmanship of Russia from October 22-24, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from the other BRICS member nations.
The grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (added in 2010), expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates this year.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi leaves from Delhi for Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held in Kazan, under the Chairmanship of Russia, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,”The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral… pic.twitter.com/D0If0sYKc2
— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2024
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The Summit, themed ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,’ will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues.”
It further said, “The Summit will offer a valuable opportunity to assess the progress of initiatives launched by BRICS and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.”
PM Modi On India-Russia Ties
PM Modi underscored ties between New Delhi and Moscow, saying that his second visit to Russia this year for the BRICS Summit will further boost the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between both countries.
The Prime Minister’s office in a statement quoted PM Modi as saying, “Building upon the Annual Summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well.”
PM Modi further noted that India attaches “immense importance” to the grouping. “India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people-to-people connect, among others.”
He also lauded the expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year, saying that it added to the group’s inclusivity and agenda for the global good.
Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.https://t.co/mNUvuJz4ZK— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2024
India-China Talks On Card?
A significant development took place on the eve of the BRICS Summit with India and China deciding to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh “leading to disengagement.”
The agreement, marking a significant breakthrough in the diplomatic ties between both countries, was announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday, October 21, during an MEA press briefing.
While making the announcement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also touched upon the possible meeting of PM Modi and President Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS. “We are still working around the time and engagements,” he said.
PM Modi’s Second Visit To Russia This Year
It will be PM Modi’s second visit to Russia this year as he travelled to Moscow in July to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin.
Last month, Russian President extended an invitation to PM Modi, proposing a bilateral meeting on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. During the invitation, Putin referred to PM Modi as a “good friend.”
The remarks by the Russian President came when he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting. He met with Doval at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersberg.
BRICS Summit 2024: What’s On Agenda?
Ahead of PM Modi’s visit to Russia, Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, said on Monday that India is a founding member of BRICS and is committed to economic cooperation within the framework of BRICS, which he stressed was a “very foundational principle.”
Vinay Kumar stated that some of the issues that are on the agenda in the BRICS Summit set to take place in Kazan include further expansion of economic cooperation, trade settlement in national currencies, and sustainable development, particularly PM Modi’s LiFE mission to address the problems of climate change.
Elaborating on PM Modi’s engagements in Russia, the Indian envoy said, “Prime Minister’s main engagement is of course participation in the BRICS summit. Other than that, he would have some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. One of them which is firmed up is with President Putin. Some others may also work out.”
BRICS is an important grouping bringing together the major emerging economies from the world, comprising 41 per cent of the world population, 24 per cent of the world GDP and over 16 per cent share in the world trade.
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