“PM Modi Returns to India After Attending 16th BRICS Summit in Russia”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for home after wrapping up his two-day “impactful” visit to Russia where he attended the 16th BRICS Summit and held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday for the BRICS Summit, receiving a warm welcome from Tatarstan’s Head Rustam Minnikhanov.During his address on Wednesday, PM Modi emphasised India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He highlighted several pressing global challenges, including wars, economic uncertainty, climate change, and terrorism, asserting that BRICS can play a crucial role in guiding the world towards stability.

PM Modi called for a “single-minded” focus and “firm support” in combating terrorism, stressing that there is no room for “double standards” in addressing this issue. He urged for proactive measures to prevent the radicalisation of young people.

The summit brought together leaders from BRICS nations, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

On the sidelines, PM Modi held his first structured bilateral talks with Xi Jinping in five years, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite ongoing boundary disputes.

PM Modi delved into the recent green initiatives undertaken by India, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE and Green Credit initiatives announced during COP28. He invited the BRICS countries to join these initiatives.

He also engaged in separate meetings with Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

BRICS, comprising India, Russia, China, South Africa, and Brazil, represents 24% of global GDP and 41% of the world’s population. The group positions itself as an economic counterweight to Western influence, with recent additions including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.