The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he embarked on a two-day visit to Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.
"Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister stated: "I am departing today on a two day visit to Kazan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to attend the 16th BRICS 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 added.
Prime Minister Modi further said that building upon the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, "my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia".
"I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well," he said.
The summit is the first since the expansion of the group to nine members, with Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE joining this year after being offered membership in the 2023 summit in South Africa.
The summit, themed "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security", will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
During his visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries and invited leaders in Kazan.
As per Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the BRICS summit in Kazan will host leaders from 24 countries and delegations from a total of 32 nations, making it the largest foreign policy event ever held in Russia.
Apart from the main BRICS meeting, there will be meetings in the BRICS+ format on the theme "BRICS and the Global South: Building the Future of the World Together" involving representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders of various aspirant countries, including Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and others are also expected to attend the summit.
Over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering medicines at 50-90 pc lower prices daily: Nadda
Over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country are offering medicines at 50-90 per cent lower prices daily, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Jan Aushadhi Diwas on Friday.
Centre aims to reduce road accidents by 50 pc in 2030, next-gen safety must: Gadkari
Speaking at the two-day ‘Global Road Infratech Summit and Expo (GRIS); in the national capital, the minister observed that most of the road accidents that happen in the country are due to poor civil engineering practices in road design, construction, and management and improper road signages and marking systems.
US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's extradition stay request
The US Supreme Court has rejected a plea by 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana, seeking a stay on his extradition to India to face trial
PM Modi on two-day visit to Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Gujarat from today, to launch several projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day visit to the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Gujarat on Friday, where he will launch several developmental projects.
EAM Jaishankar visits General Post Office Museum, interacts with former PM Leo Varadkar in Dublin
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum, Trinity College and interacted with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar.
Trump delays some tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month
US President Donald Trump has signed executive actions that delay for nearly one month tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada that are covered by the USMCA free trade treaty, a significant walkback of the administration's signature economic plan that has rattled markets, businesses and consumers.
EAM Jaishankar calls on Ireland President Michael Higgins, discusses role of culture in strengthening nationhood
External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, has called on Irish President Michael D Higgins, marking the beginning of his visit to Ireland where he is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Irish counterpart.
US, Ukraine to hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week, says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ahead of diplomatic-level talks later in the week with US officials.