PM Modi Emphasizes Importance Of BRICS Collaboration Ahead Of Summit In Russia

New Delhi, 22nd October 2024: India places great importance on its collaboration with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), which has evolved into a vital platform for dialogue and discussion on various critical global development issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday. His remarks came ahead of a two-day trip to Kazan, Russia, where he will attend the 16th BRICS summit.

“The inclusion of new members last year has enhanced BRICS’ inclusivity and its agenda for the global good,” he noted.

Hosted by Russia, this summit is perceived as a move by non-Western powers to assert their influence amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and escalating tensions in West Asia.

During the summit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings, including discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit.

This gathering marks the first BRICS summit following its expansion at last year’s summit in Johannesburg.

“India values the strong collaboration within BRICS, which has become an essential forum for addressing global developmental agendas, advocating for reformed multilateralism, tackling climate change, enhancing economic cooperation, creating resilient supply chains, and fostering cultural and people-to-people connections,” PM Modi stated in his remarks before departure.

He emphasized that his visit to Kazan will strengthen the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. The Prime Minister previously visited Moscow in July, where he engaged in summit talks with President Putin.

“Building on the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my trip to Kazan will further cement our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia,” he added.

PM Modi also expressed eagerness to meet with other BRICS leaders, highlighting his anticipation for extensive discussions on various topics during the summit.

BRICS began as a formal group following a meeting of the leaders of Russia, India, and China in St. Petersburg in 2006, and later expanded to BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. The expansion last year was the first since 2010, bringing Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates into the fold.