Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as the 18th BRICS Summit commenced. This summit marks India’s leadership within the grouping.
In a symbolic welcome for the BRICS leaders, PM Modi stood before the renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, bridging cultural heritage with current international diplomacy.
Prior to this significant meeting, PM Modi engaged in separate discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. His busy agenda included addressing the BRICS Business Forum, showcasing India’s commitment to global dialogue and collaboration.
The meeting with President Putin represented their second encounter this year, following discussions at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek in August. Both leaders evaluated the progress made in various areas such as political and defense ties, energy cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that regional and global issues were at the forefront of their discussions. Topics included India’s BRICS chairmanship and significant conflicts affecting West Asia and the Black Sea region.
In a notable development during the summit, the BRICS nations achieved consensus on a Joint Statement after extensive negotiations, which lasted until the early hours of Saturday. This statement reflects the collaborative spirit of the member nations despite prior differences on key issues.
The intensive diplomatic efforts led by India resulted in a united front among BRICS members, underscoring India’s vital role in fostering collaboration and unity.
As the summit unfolds, the focus remains on addressing pressing global challenges and enhancing mutual cooperation among BRICS nations, further solidifying India’s stature on the international stage.
