Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia next week to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22-23. This invitation comes from Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the summit will take place under Russia's chairmanship and will serve as a key platform for discussions on global issues.
The theme of this year's summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.” This theme reflects the collective desire of BRICS nations to enhance cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges. During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other BRICS member countries and invited leaders, creating opportunities for collaborative initiatives.
BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a significant alliance that brings together major emerging economies. The grouping represents about 41 percent of the world’s population and accounts for approximately 24 percent of the global GDP.
Additionally, BRICS nations hold over 16 percent of the world trade share. The origins of this coalition trace back to 2006 when the BRIC nations first met in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Following a series of meetings, the inaugural BRIC summit was hosted in Yekaterinburg in 2009. The inclusion of South Africa in 2010 transformed BRIC into BRICS, reflecting the growing importance of these emerging economies on the world stage.
Prime Minister Modi's visit comes on the heels of an invitation extended by President Putin in September, during which he expressed his desire for a bilateral meeting on October 22.
The meeting aims to review the progress of past agreements and discuss future prospects. Putin referred to Modi as a "good friend," emphasising the warmth and camaraderie in their diplomatic relationship. This gesture indicates a mutual commitment to strengthening ties and furthering collaboration in various sectors.
During a recent meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg, Putin reiterated his eagerness to host Modi in Kazan. The Kremlin issued a statement reflecting this sentiment, underscoring the importance of maintaining momentum in the collaborative work between India and Russia. The discussions at the summit are expected to focus on enhancing multilateral partnerships and tackling shared global challenges.
This visit will mark Modi's second trip to Russia in 2024, following his attendance at the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July. During that visit, Modi and Putin engaged in fruitful discussions that further solidified their countries' strategic partnership.
Additionally, Modi received Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, during his last trip, highlighting the deep respect and recognition between the two leaders.
As PM Modi prepares for the upcoming BRICS Summit, there is a keen anticipation surrounding the outcomes of these discussions. The global landscape is continually evolving, and the summit provides an essential opportunity for BRICS nations to align their strategies and respond to contemporary issues collectively.
With the summit fast approaching, the eyes of the international community will be on Kazan as leaders engage in critical dialogue aimed at fostering a more equitable and secure world.
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