Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, set to take place in the city of Kazan. The two-day summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” will provide a platform for the leaders of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to engage in discussions on pressing global issues. On his arrival, PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on strengthening ties and addressing key regional and global challenges.
PM Narendra Modi’s visit comes amid ongoing global unrest, including the Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The summit is seen as a critical moment for the BRICS nations to discuss strategies for promoting peace and stability. Narendra Modi’s engagement with Putin is particularly significant as the Russian President recently acknowledged the Indian Prime Minister as a “friend” and expressed gratitude for India’s efforts in advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement prior to his departure, PM Narendra Modi reiterated the importance of BRICS, describing it as an “important platform for dialogue” on global developmental issues, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections. He also emphasized that his visit to Kazan would further reinforce the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia. This marks Narendra Modi’s second visit to Russia in 2024; he previously attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow in July, during which he received Russia’s highest civilian award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.
In addition to meeting Putin, PM Narendra Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other BRICS leaders. This comes at a crucial time as India and China recently agreed to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a significant breakthrough in their diplomatic relations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri indicated that a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Xi is in the works, though the final schedule is yet to be confirmed.
India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, highlighted India’s consistent advocacy for peace and conflict resolution through dialogue. Vinay Kumar’s remarks echo Narendra Modi’s efforts to mediate an early resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, further solidifying India’s role as a global peacemaker.
The BRICS Summit will allow leaders to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives and identify new avenues for collaboration, aiming to address key global challenges through multilateral efforts.
