PM Modi wraps up 'impactful' two-day summit, strengthens ties with BRICS leaders

Kazan (Russia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Wednesday after a significant two-day visit to Russia, where he participated in the 16th BRICS Summit and engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "PM @narendramodi wraps up an impactful visit to Kazan and emplanes for New Delhi."

Arrival in Kazan
Modi arrived in the historic city of Kazan on Tuesday, where he received a warm welcome from Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Key Address at the BRICS Summit
During his address at the BRICS Summit on Wednesday, Modi advocated for dialogue and diplomacy over conflict, urging for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war through peaceful negotiations. He expressed concerns about pressing global challenges, including wars, economic uncertainty, climate change, and terrorism, asserting that BRICS nations can play a crucial role in guiding the world towards a positive future.

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for a "single-minded" focus and "firm support" from all nations in combating terrorism, insisting that there is no place for "double standards" in addressing this global threat. He highlighted the importance of taking "active steps" to prevent the radicalisation of youth.

Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held significant bilateral talks with President Xi, marking their first structured meeting in five years. During their discussions, Modi stressed the importance of not letting boundary-related differences disrupt peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both leaders acknowledged the critical role of special representatives in resolving the India-China boundary question and maintaining tranquillity in border areas.

Modi also conducted separate meetings with President Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The BRICS Grouping
In addition to India, Russia, and China, the BRICS grouping includes South Africa and Brazil. Together, these nations account for 24% of global GDP and 41% of the world’s population, positioning BRICS as an economic counterweight to the West. Recently, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the group. PTI