From October 22-23, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin will host the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, with the participation of countries from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and 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” said the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit at the invitation of President Putin. During his visit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries and other invited leaders, fostering further collaboration and dialogue.
In early September, President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi for a bilateral meeting on October 22, coinciding with the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Putin referred to Modi as a “good friend” during this invitation. The invitation was extended during Putin’s meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in St. Petersburg’s Constantine Palace.
The Kremlin quoted Putin saying, “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Modi in Kazan. I propose a bilateral meeting on October 22 to review our joint efforts following his Moscow visit and to discuss future prospects.”
BRICS is an intergovernmental organization originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Recently, BRICS has welcomed new members, including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. This 16th summit is expected to host 33 countries.
India-Russia Annual Summit
Earlier this year, on July 8-9, 2024, Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit, at the invitation of President Putin, marked a significant moment in the ongoing Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. During the summit, the leaders discussed various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including economic cooperation and high-technology collaboration. A notable highlight was President Putin conferring Russia’s highest civilian honor, the “Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle,” on Prime Minister Modi for his distinguished contributions to the development of India-Russia relations.
The summit also set a new bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030, reflecting the commitment of both nations to deepen their economic ties. Modi and Putin’s informal meeting at Novo-Ogaryovo, where they shared tea, rode in a golf cart, and visited stables, underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders.
Historic Visit to Ukraine
On August 23, 2024, Prime Minister Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine’s independence. In Kyiv, Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation, defense, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. During his visit he emphasized India’s commitment to peace and its willingness to contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During his visit, Modi reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy, urging both nations to negotiate and offering India’s active role in mediating peace talks. President Putin had earlier expressed readiness for peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting that India, China, and Brazil could mediate.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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