Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to India after participating in the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia. This visit was of immense strategic significance. Amidst global conflicts, PM Modi's meeting with various world leaders, including Russia's President Vladimir Putin, took place in Kazan. However, the highlight was the bilateral meeting between Modi and China's President Xi Jinping, offering potential breakthroughs for India.
Upon his return, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Putin, the Russian government, and its people for the success of the BRICS Summit, underlining its positive influence for member states during these trying times.
A Five-Year Reunion with Jinping
The pivotal moment of PM Modi's tour was his bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping. After the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, tensions between the two nations had soared. However, the summit marked the beginning of thawing relations, as both countries stepped back to the negotiating table.
In Kazan, on Wednesday, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping held a 50-minute discussion on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. They positively engaged in a consensus to resolve the military standoff along the LAC, accepting the agreements reached to ease tensions that began in 2020.
Source: aajtak
Renewed Calls for Peace Amidst War
Emphasizing the resolution of disputes between India and China, PM Modi highlighted the importance of maintaining peace at all costs.
In his address at the BRICS Summit, PM Modi stated that the group endorses dialogue and diplomacy over war. He appealed for unity against terrorism and terror financing from the summit platform.
He articulated, "We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war." Drawing parallels to the global fight against COVID-19, PM Modi envisioned new opportunities to ensure a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.
Putin's Assurance of Translation Not Needed
The BRICS Summit elevated India-Russia ties to a new pinnacle. Despite skipping the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Kazakhstan, PM Modi honored President Putin's invitation to join BRICS in Kazan.
Source: aajtak
During dialogues, PM Modi spoke in Hindi while President Putin communicated in Russian, with translations available. Yet, Putin candidly remarked to PM Modi, "Our relations need no translator, as I believe you can understand me without one." This comment sparked laughter in PM Modi and underscored the deepening India-Russia bond.
India as Peace Catalyst in Russia-Ukraine War
At the summit, PM Modi reiterated India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He urged President Putin for a peaceful resolution and expressed India's readiness to assist in any capacity. India maintains active communication, advocating peaceful solutions and supporting peace and stability. Upholding humanity as priority, India is poised to extend all possible cooperation towards conflict resolution.
Significant Meeting with Iran's President
Within the summit's framework, PM Modi also met Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian. The discussion centered on peace requirements in West Asia and India's consequential role.
Talks extended to Israel-Iran tensions. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to visit India, which was warmly accepted. The dialogue also explored strengthening cooperation, particularly regarding Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Source: aajtak
Addressing Global South Concerns
Prime Minister Modi emphatically addressed Global South concerns during the BRICS Summit. Recalling the Voice of Global South Summit organized by India under its G-20 presidency, he emphasized prioritizing Global South concerns within BRICS.
PM Modi asserted the importance of understanding the aspirations, ambitions, and expectations of Global South nations. The term was first coined in the 1960s, initially referencing regions like Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Over time, its application has expanded to encompass developing and third-world countries.
Evaluating India-UAE Strategic Partnership
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that both leaders positively assessed the UAE-India comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussions extended to the West Asia situation, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security, and stability restoration efforts.
Source: aajtak
PM Modi met with UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the BRICS Summit. Expressing happiness at seeing his "brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed," both leaders exchanged ideas on various global issues.
Discussing India-Egypt Partnership
In Kazan, PM Modi also conferred with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Discussions focused on trading relations with Egypt, with prospects to expand this partnership and lay future plans.
The Future of BRICS
The three-day BRICS Summit in Kazan held great significance for India. BRICS is regarded as a crucial platform for global balance, diversity, and plurality. Economic and social development among member nations form its backbone. The organization will prioritize fortifying trade relations in forthcoming years. The New Development Bank, BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism, BRICS Business Council, and BRICS Women's Business Alliance are key facets.
Commonly known as the BRICS Bank, the New Development Bank (NDB) was established in 2015 as an alternative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In the coming years, the BRICS organization aims to strengthen the BRICS Bank, deliberating on approving a BRICS currency.
Glimpse into the Future in Kazan Declaration
On the second day of the summit, PM Modi and other member states endorsed the Kazan Declaration. The declaration advocated for a resilient and accountable international system, emphasizing the inclusion of emerging developing countries. Particularly, less developed nations, including those in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, deserve enhanced participation.
The declaration subtly criticized western sanctions on Russia and China, urging unfettering the global economy. It opposed unilateral decisions or actions based on power against any country.
