Strengthening Ties: PM Modi concludes BRICS Summit, back in India

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant two-day visit to Russia on Wednesday, where he participated in the 16th BRICS Summit and engaged in bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Arriving in Kazan on Tuesday, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Tatarstan's Head, Rustam Minnikhanov. During his address at the summit, he reaffirmed India's dedication to dialogue and diplomacy, particularly regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi underscored the urgency of addressing global challenges, such as wars, economic instability, climate change, and terrorism, emphasizing that BRICS has a vital role to play in fostering global stability.

A key focus of PM Modi’s address was the need for a united front against terrorism. He called for "single-minded" efforts and unwavering support in combating this issue, insisting that there should be no "double standards" in addressing terrorism. He advocated for proactive strategies to prevent the radicalization of youth, highlighting the importance of a coordinated international approach. The summit gathered leaders from BRICS nations, including Putin and Xi Jinping. On the sidelines, Modi and Xi held their first structured bilateral talks in five years, highlighting the necessity of maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), amidst ongoing boundary disputes between India and China. 

Modi also shared insights into India’s recent green initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE, and the Green Credit initiatives announced during COP28. He extended an invitation to BRICS nations to collaborate on these environmental efforts, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainability. In addition to his discussions with Xi, PM Modi met separately with other leaders, including President Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and explore avenues for cooperation on various fronts.

BRICS, which includes India, Russia, China, South Africa, and Brazil, accounts for 24% of global GDP and 41% of the world's population. The group aims to serve as an economic counterbalance to Western influence, recently expanding to include countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Through these discussions and collaborations, PM Modi seeks to enhance India’s role within BRICS and on the global stage, advocating for collective action on pressing issues. Overall, PM Modi’s visit to Russia emphasized India's proactive approach to international relations and its commitment to addressing global challenges through collaboration and dialogue. The discussions held at the summit and during bilateral meetings signal a renewed focus on cooperation among BRICS nations, aiming for a stable and prosperous future.