Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 16th BRICS Summit, chaired by Russia, in Kazan today.
The BRICS leaders engaged in productive discussions on various topics, including strengthening multilateralism, countering terrorism, fostering economic growth, pursuing sustainable development, and highlighting the concerns of the Global South. They also welcomed 13 new BRICS partner countries.
Prime Minister Modi addressed two sessions of the Summit. He noted that the Summit is taking place amid global uncertainties and challenges such as conflicts, adverse climatic impacts, and cyber threats, which place greater expectations on BRICS. He suggested that the group adopt a people-centric approach to tackle these challenges and emphasized the need for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.
PM Modi called on BRICS to proactively push for global governance reforms. Recalling the Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India during its G-20 Presidency, he stressed the importance of prioritizing the concerns of the Global South. He highlighted the regional presence of the New Development Bank, including in GIFT City, India, which has created new values and impacts.
He also emphasized BRICS’ efforts to foster economic growth through trade facilitation in agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones, generating new opportunities. He underlined the need to prioritize small and medium-scale industries and expressed that the BRICS Startup Forum, initiated by India and set to launch this year, would add significant value to the BRICS economic agenda.
Prime Minister Modi elaborated on India’s recent green initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE, and the Green Credit initiative announced during COP28. He invited BRICS countries to join these initiatives.
He congratulated President Putin for successfully hosting the 16th BRICS Summit and conveyed his best wishes to Brazil as it takes over the group’s presidency. At the conclusion of the Summit, the leaders adopted the ‘Kazan Declaration’.
Detailed Report on the 16th BRICS Summit Held in Kazan
The 16th BRICS Summit, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, marked a significant event under Russia’s Chairship. The summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss and address pressing global issues and enhance cooperation among the member countries.
Key Themes and Discussions
2. Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Discussions focused on fostering economic growth and sustainable development. The leaders highlighted the need for resilient supply chains, trade facilitation in agriculture, and the development of Special Economic Zones. They also stressed the importance of supporting small and medium-scale industries to drive economic progress.
3. Countering Terrorism: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations. He emphasized the need for a unified approach to combat the menace of terrorism, which poses a significant threat to global peace and security.
4. Concerns of the Global South: The 16th BRICS summit underscored the importance of addressing the concerns of the Global South. PM Modi recalled the Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India during its G-20 Presidency and urged BRICS to prioritize these concerns. The inclusion of 13 new BRICS partner countries was a step towards expanding the group’s influence and addressing the needs of developing nations.
5. Green Initiatives: Prime Minister Modi elaborated on India’s recent green initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE, and the Green Credit initiative announced during COP28. He invited BRICS countries to join these initiatives to promote sustainable development and combat climate change.
🇷🇺🇮🇳 Russian President Putin and India's Prime Minister Modi hug at BRICS Summit.
— राजेंद्र राय (@RajendraRai_321) October 22, 2024
Russian President Putin to hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Modi at BRICS Summit tomorrow in Russia.#Russia #ViralVideos#Iran #Modiji #PMModi #PMModiInRussia pic.twitter.com/1feCYEVTJP
Key Outcomes
1. Adoption of the Kazan Declaration: After the summit, the leaders adopted the ‘Kazan Declaration,’ which outlined the collective commitments and future directions for BRICS cooperation. The declaration emphasized the need for global governance reforms and a more inclusive international order.
2. BRICS Startup Forum: The launch of the BRICS Startup Forum, initiated by India, was announced. This forum aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the BRICS countries, providing a platform for startups to collaborate and grow.
3. New Development Bank: The regional presence of the New Development Bank, including its operations in GIFT City, India, was highlighted as a significant achievement. The bank’s efforts in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects were recognized as crucial for the economic growth of member countries.
Bilateral Meetings
During the summit, several bilateral meetings took place. Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders. These meetings focused on enhancing bilateral relations and discussing specific areas of cooperation.
Conclusion
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan was a pivotal event that reinforced the importance of multilateralism and cooperation among emerging economies. The discussions and outcomes of the summit are expected to have a lasting impact on global governance, economic growth, and sustainable development. As Brazil takes over the presidency of BRICS, the group looks forward to continuing its efforts to address global challenges and promote a more equitable international order
Bilateral Meetings at the 16th BRICS Summit
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin: Prime Minister Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions focused on enhancing strategic partnerships, particularly in areas such as defense, energy, and trade. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in the face of global challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to a multipolar world.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping: PM Modi also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting was notable as it was their first formal interaction in five years. The leaders discussed the importance of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity in India-China relations. They addressed various bilateral issues and expressed a commitment to maintaining regional and global peace and stability.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders discussed strengthening economic ties, particularly in the areas of investment, energy, and technology. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and infrastructure development.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Both leaders emphasized the importance of connectivity projects and regional stability.
Other Notable Bilateral Meetings: 16th BRICS summit
1. President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping: President Putin and President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting to discuss their strategic partnership. They focused on enhancing cooperation in energy, technology, and defense. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a multipolar world and discussed ways to counter unilateral sanctions.
2. President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Their discussions centered on strengthening economic and security cooperation. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development and trade.
These bilateral meetings were crucial in reinforcing the strategic partnerships among BRICS nations and their allies, addressing bilateral issues, and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
