PM Modi leaves for Russia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left on a two-day visit to Russia beginning today to attend the 16th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Kazan.
Before Departure PM Modi said, I am departing today on a two day visit to Kazan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.
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. The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good.
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.
The Summit is themed on Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security. Speaking to Akashvani Correspondent in Kazan, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar said, the summit will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues. It will also assess the progress of initiatives launched by BRICS.
Mr. Kumar said, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Russian President Valadimir Putin. Briefing reporters in New Delhi on Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, India is a founding member of BRICS and has participated in all of its activities, initiatives and engagements since its inception.
Mr. Misri highlighted that India brings great value to BRICS and its contributions have played a vital role in shaping BRICS’ efforts in areas such as economic growth, sustainable development and global governance reforms.
The Foreign Secretary said, the BRICS serves as a vital platform to tackle a range of global challenges. He said, the focus of this year’s summit is on the integration of new BRICS members into BRICS cooperation mechanisms.
Mr. Misri added that the two-day summit will also strengthen economic cooperation, promoting cooperation for energy and food security, healthcare and youth exchanges. The Foreign Secretary said, this is the first summit that will be taking place after the first-ever expansion of BRICS last year at the Johannesburg Summit.
Mr. Misri added that the Summit will begin today but the main day of the summit will be held tomorrow. He said that on the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to attend few bilateral meetings.
