NEW DELHI, Oct 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s strong commitment to BRICS, recognizing it as a key platform for dialogue and addressing global developmental issues. In a statement ahead of his two-day visit to Kazan, Russia, for the 16th BRICS summit, Modi highlighted the group’s significance in fostering cooperation on critical global challenges.
He noted that BRICS’ expansion with new members last year has enhanced its inclusivity and broadened its global agenda. “India values close cooperation within BRICS, which has emerged as an important forum for discussing issues related to the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, resilient supply chains, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said.
The summit, hosted by Russia, is seen as a platform for non-Western powers to assert their influence, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the tense situation in West Asia. Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the summit’s sidelines.
This will be the first BRICS summit following the group’s expansion during last year’s Johannesburg summit, which welcomed new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.
Modi’s visit to Kazan will also further strengthen India’s “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Russia. “My visit to Kazan will build upon the fruitful discussions held during the annual summit in Moscow this past July,” Modi said. He expressed eagerness to engage with other BRICS leaders at the summit.
BRICS, originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. The 2023 expansion marked the first addition of new members since then, reflecting the group’s growing relevance on the global stage.
