LIVE | BRICS Summit: Modi meets Putin, again seeks peaceful end to Ukraine war

The summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), which now has expanded with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, is being held in the Russian city of Kazan.

Modi, Xi talks likely

Emphasising the key role of the collective in serving as a platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of global issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who left for Russia on Tuesday (October 22) morning, said the expansion has enhanced BRICS inclusivity and agenda for the global good.

Being hosted by Russia, the summit is being seen as an attempt by non-Western powers to project their clout amid the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia.

Modi is set hold a series of bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the BRICS. He held one with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after landing in Kazan on Tuesday.

While China is yet to confirm the meeting, the prospects brightened after India on Monday (October 21) announced a major breakthrough, ending the over four-year-long military standoff in Eastern Ladakh with its neighbour which had brought the relations to a standstill.

First 10-member BRICS meet

It will be the first summit of the grouping after it was expanded at its summit in Johannesburg last year.

"India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others," Modi said in his departure statement.

Modi said his visit to Kazan will further reinforce the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia.

The prime minister visited Moscow in July during which he held summit talks with President Putin.

"Building upon the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia," Modi said.

The BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the leaders of Russia, India and China in St. Petersburg in 2006. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.

Last year's expansion was the first such exercise since 2010.

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