Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Russia on Tuesday (October 22) to attend the 16th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Kazan. This is the 16th edition of the summit and is themed on Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.
This year’s gathering will be the first summit of the grouping after it underwent an expansion last year. During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries
Before leaving for his trip, PM Modi said that India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of issues concerning the global developmental agenda
The prime minister said the expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good. Modi said he was looking forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects at the 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," he said.
Briefing reporters in New Delhi on the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed India is a founding member of BRICS and has participated in all of its activities, initiatives and engagements since its inception. Misri also 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.