Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday as the 18th BRICS Summit commenced. This pivotal meeting marks a significant moment for India as it chairs the influential BRICS coalition.
The summit began against the stunning backdrop of the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where PM Modi welcomed leaders with a message of unity and cooperation. PM Modi emphasized the importance of collaboration among BRICS nations to address pressing global challenges.
On Friday, the day preceding the summit, Modi engaged in intensive diplomacy, having separate meetings with Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He also met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and delivered an address at the BRICS Business Forum, setting a robust tone for the summit.
This meeting with President Putin marked their second encounter this year, reflecting the deepening ties between India and Russia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation progress in various areas including political, economic, defense, and energy sectors, as well as skills mobility and people-to-people connections.
The leaders also discussed India’s role in BRICS, focusing on collaboration within the multilateral framework. They conveyed their views on key regional issues, notably the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, underscoring the importance of diplomatic negotiations.
In a significant development, the BRICS nations worked towards a joint statement that will be released during the summit. After hours of rigorous negotiations, which extended until 4 am on Saturday, the member countries arrived at a consensus on the statement. India played a crucial role in facilitating these discussions, successfully bridging differing perspectives among member states to foster a united front.
The 18th BRICS Summit presents an opportunity for India to assert its leadership while addressing both regional stability and economic cooperation among member nations. The coalition, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to champion the voices of emerging economies in global forums.
With pivotal talks on the agenda, PM Modi’s extensive diplomatic efforts signal India’s commitment to enhancing its role on the global stage and addressing the complex interplay of international relations in a changing world.
