Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Russia from October 22 to 23, following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that the summit is taking place under Russia's leadership. While in Kazan, PM Modi is anticipated to engage in bilateral discussions with other BRICS leaders and invited officials.
PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping | MSN
Before the visit, the MEA held a special briefing. Here’s what to expect from PM Modi’s trip to Russia:
The emphasis of PM Modi’s visit
The main purpose of PM Modi's visit is to participate in the BRICS Summit, which this year focuses on the theme 'Strengthening Multilateralism.' The BRICS platform is regarded as a significant forum for tackling various global challenges and promoting a fairer and more inclusive international order.
The MEA said in a statement on Friday (Oct 18), "The Summit, themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,' will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues."
Schedule of PM Modi's visit by day
October 22 - This day will feature a formal welcome and a dinner reserved solely for the leaders participating in the summit.
October 23 (Main Summit Day) - The primary activities will occur on the second day. A closed plenary session is planned for the morning, followed by an open plenary in the afternoon. Discussions will focus on the summit's central theme, and the leaders are anticipated to endorse the "Kazan Declaration," which is currently being finalized through negotiations.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to return to India on the evening of October 23.
Will there be discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping?
Regarding the possibility of a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the MEA said that diplomatic and military-level talks have been ongoing for several weeks. "I can share with you that over the last several weeks, diplomatic and military negotiations are going on - agreement has arrived on patrolling, leading to disengagement," an MEA spokesperson said.
"As far as the question on the bilateral meeting - It's a multilateral event- though there is the provision of course for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines. We are currently looking into the overall programme of the PM - there are a number of requests for bilateral meetings and we will update you on bilateral as they evolve as soon as feasible," the statement added.
Addressing the issue of Indians in Russian forces, the MEA said, "We have been in close touch with Russia on issues of Indians who are illegally or otherwise contracted in fighting - this matter has been taken up at the highest level - 85 peoples have returned, 20 people still remain."
About BRICS Summit
The BRICS coalition—consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has experienced substantial growth this year with the addition of new members, including Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt. As global power dynamics evolve, this bloc is increasingly perceived as an alternative to Western-led organizations such as the EU, G7, and NATO.
“BRICS has a positive agenda, that is to promote economic cooperation between its member states and also promote multipolarity in the world order. The leaders are likely to discuss these agendas. The fact that so many countries are interested in partnering with BRICS or becoming member of BRICS shows the resonance of BRICS agenda with other nations,” Vinay Kumar said.
“BRICS, being a gathering of such important countries, certainly contributes to global prosperity, development, and cooperation,” he added.
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