Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to Delhi after attending the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. His two-day visit involved key discussions and meetings with several global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Modi described the summit as "very productive," expressing gratitude to the Russian government and its people for their warm hospitality. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the summit in addressing global challenges and emphasised the potential for collaboration among BRICS nations in various sectors.
During his visit, PM Modi participated in two sessions of the BRICS Summit, which was hosted by Russia under its chairmanship. He also shared glimpses of his interactions on X, posting a video showcasing his meetings with international leaders.
Modi expressed his pleasure in engaging with several heads of state, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. His meetings centred around enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas like trade and cultural exchanges, especially with Uzbekistan. He also reflected on India's deep-rooted partnership with Russia, as highlighted in his meeting with President Putin.
A key moment during the summit was PM Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders had their first formal structured conversation in five years.
This meeting came shortly after the two nations agreed to resume regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Modi stressed the importance of India-China relations, noting that stability between the two nations is crucial not just for their people but for regional and global peace.
Another significant interaction took place between PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they discussed enhancing ties between their countries. Modi spoke warmly of their meeting, calling Sheikh Mohamed "my brother" and sharing hopes for stronger collaborations in the future.
At the BRICS Summit, Modi addressed a range of pressing global issues, emphasising the uncertainty that the world currently faces, from conflicts and climate change to cyber threats.
He advocated for BRICS to adopt a people-centric approach to tackle these challenges. He also called for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations, stressing the need for unified global action against terrorism.
Modi also underlined the importance of global governance reforms, recalling India’s Voice of Global South Summit hosted during its G20 Presidency. He urged BRICS to prioritise the concerns of developing nations, particularly in fostering sustainable growth and economic opportunities.
His call for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the reform of global governance resonated with his wider vision for a more equitable and balanced world order.
In terms of economic cooperation, PM Modi highlighted BRICS’ efforts in agriculture, supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones, noting how these initiatives are creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
He also introduced the BRICS Startup Forum, an initiative led by India, which aims to add significant value to the economic agenda of the group by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Modi’s focus on small and medium-scale industries reflects India’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive growth through sustainable development.
Environmental issues were also central to PM Modi’s address, where he spoke of India’s leadership in green initiatives. He invited BRICS nations to join India’s efforts, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Green Credit initiative, which was announced at COP28.
His call for stronger collaboration in combating climate change was well-received, as it aligned with the global push for more sustainable policies.
A key highlight of Modi’s trip was his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they reviewed the progress of India-Russia relations. The two leaders discussed cooperation in multiple areas, including politics, defence, and energy, and PM Modi extended an invitation to Putin to visit India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit next year.
Their meeting marked the second time they have met this year, after earlier discussions in Moscow during the 22nd Annual Summit in July 2024. Modi emphasised the deep-rooted bond between India and Russia, expressing optimism about the future of their partnership.
The Prime Minister also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss ways to deepen ties in emerging sectors. Modi shared his satisfaction with the meeting, where they explored avenues for cooperation in futuristic fields and reviewed bilateral relations comprehensively.
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