Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasized the importance of India’s close cooperation within the BRICS group, which has become a crucial platform for dialogue on key global issues. His statement came before departing for the Russian city of Kazan to attend the 16th BRICS summit. The two-day summit will focus on issues such as global development, multilateralism, climate change, and economic cooperation.
In his departure statement, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of BRICS as an inclusive platform, noting the addition of new members during last year’s summit in Johannesburg. “The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good,” he remarked. The inclusion of countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates marked the first expansion of the group since 2010, underscoring BRICS’ growing influence on the global stage.
Hosted by Russia, the 16th BRICS summit comes at a time when non-Western powers, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are aiming to strengthen their influence in light of ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in West Asia. The summit will serve as a forum for these nations to project their collective clout and discuss pressing global issues.
During his visit to Kazan, PM Narendra Modi is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with key leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting with Putin is particularly significant as it aims to reinforce the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia, a relationship that has grown stronger through frequent high-level engagements. PM Narendra Modi had last visited Moscow in July 2024, where he held summit talks with President Putin.
Reflecting on this partnership, PM Narendra Modi said, “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.”
PM Narendra Modi also expressed anticipation for productive discussions with other BRICS leaders, signaling India’s commitment to the bloc’s agenda. In a post on social media platform ‘X’, he shared his enthusiasm for the extensive discussions expected at the summit.
Established in 2006 with a meeting between Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded in 2010 to include South Africa, forming the five-member group it is today. The ongoing summit in Kazan marks the first major BRICS gathering since last year’s expansion.
