Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India was ready to help bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also reiterated India’s commitment towards peace and stability, at the start of a meeting with Putin at the Brics summit in Russia’s Kazan. “We are in constant touch on issue of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine…As I said earlier, we believe that problems should be resolved in peaceful manner,” said PM Modi.
He arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday to take part in the 16th Brics summit, which will continue from October 22 to 24 under Russia’s chairmanship. The summit is expected to cover a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation, climate change, and digital inclusion.
During the summit, PM Modi is holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Brics member nations and other invited leaders.
In a statement, PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to close cooperation within Brics, calling the platform a valuable forum for dialogue. He highlighted the significance of Brics’ expansion last year, which welcomed new members, broadening its inclusivity and adding to its agenda for global progress. “I look forward to extensive discussions on wide range of subjects,” Modi said.
The key topics on the Brics agenda include enhancing economic cooperation, promoting trade settlement in national currencies, addressing climate change through PM Modi’s LiFE mission, and fostering digital and financial inclusion for marginalized communities.
There will be a 'Kazan Declaration' at the end of the summit, when five new Brics members will be formally added.
The Brics summit visit is PM Modi's second visit to Russia this year. He had been to Moscow in July to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit where he held a bilateral meeting with Putin. He was also conferred with Russia's highest civilian award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle at the Kremlin.
Besides Putin, Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as hold bilateral talks with leaders from the other Brics member nations. Last month, Putin acknowledged PM Modi as a "friend" and expressed gratitude for India's support in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit”.
The meeting comes days after India and China made a breakthrough in talks regarding the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
