Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, as “very productive,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss various issues and meet several world leaders. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia, and their government for their hospitality. In a video posted on X, PM Modi is seen participating in the summit and meeting leaders such as UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. On Wednesday, he also interacted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Additionally, he held discussions with President Mirziyoyev, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, including trade and cultural links.
The meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping marked their first formal interaction in five years and followed an agreement on resuming regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. PM Modi also expressed his happiness at meeting UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, saying, “Glad to have met my brother, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan.”
During his visit, PM Modi addressed two sessions of the BRICS Summit. He emphasized that the summit is taking place amid significant global uncertainties, including conflicts, adverse climatic impacts, and cyber threats, which place greater expectations on BRICS. He advocated for a people-centric approach to address these challenges. PM Modi highlighted the urgent need for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations to combat terrorism. He called on BRICS to actively push for global governance reforms and recalled the Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India during its G20 Presidency, stressing the importance of prioritizing the concerns of the Global South.
He noted the regional presence of the New Development Bank, including in GIFT City, India, which has created new values and impacts. Highlighting BRICS’ efforts to foster economic growth, he pointed out initiatives in trade facilitation, agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones, all of which have generated new opportunities. He emphasized the need to support small and medium enterprises and announced that the BRICS Startup Forum, initiated by India, will be launched this year to enhance the BRICS economic agenda.
PM Modi elaborated on India’s recent green initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE, and the Green Credit initiative announced during COP28, inviting BRICS countries to join these efforts. He congratulated President Putin on successfully hosting the summit and extended best wishes to Brazil as it takes over the presidency of BRICS. At the conclusion of the summit, the leaders adopted the “Kazan Declaration.” PM Modi arrived in Russia on Tuesday for a two-day visit, marking his second trip in three months, following his attendance at the annual India-Russia Summit in July.
