New Delhi, October 22, 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, signaling potential bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin with all eyes on a possible interaction between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, following India’s recent announcement of the resolution of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) standoff in eastern Ladakh.
The LAC dispute, which led to a four-year diplomatic process after Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Galwan in April 2020, has been a key point of tension between the two nations. India’s recent resolution of the standoff has raised expectations about a potential dialogue between Modi and Xi during the summit.
Before departing for his two-day visit, Modi noted the importance of BRICS as a platform for addressing global issues. “India values the close cooperation within BRICS, which has emerged as an important forum for dialogue on global developmental concerns, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, and building resilient supply chains,” the Prime Minister said in a departure statement.
Modi also pointed the expansion of BRICS, which welcomed new members last year, enhancing its inclusivity and global agenda. Reflecting on the Annual Summit held in Moscow in July, he noted, “My visit to Kazan will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.”
While discussing the summit’s potential, Modi hinted at a possible bilateral with Xi Jinping, stating, “I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well.”
The summit is expected to focus on a wide range of global issues, including economic collaboration, climate action, and fostering cultural and people-to-people connections.
The BRICS Summit is an annual meeting of leaders from five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It serves as a platform for discussions on global economic, political, and development issues, including trade, multilateralism, and cooperation on climate change and sustainable development.
