Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Brics summit in Russia, aiming to reinforce India-Russia ties and possibly engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a recent agreement on border patrols. The summit will address global cooperation, including efforts related to the Ukraine conflict and economic partnerships within the expanded Brics coalition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a journey to Russia for the Brics summit, signaling a continuation of diplomatic engagement following the annual India-Russia Summit held earlier this year in Moscow. Modi underscored the significance of enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Russia during his two-day visit to Kazan. Upon his departure, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to cooperation within the Brics framework, particularly on critical issues such as multilateral reform and the strengthening of resilient supply chains. His visit is particularly noteworthy as it arrives shortly after India and China reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), creating expectations for a possible bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China. The Prime Minister is anticipated to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the implementation of decisions from their previous summit and addressing current global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. While there is no official confirmation of further bilateral meetings, insiders suggest that Modi may meet with Xi, given the recent developments regarding patrolling arrangements along the LAC. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri disclosed the LAC agreement at a recent media briefing, followed by remarks from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who noted the restoration of the situation at the LAC to its state prior to the 2020 tensions. These tensions, highlighted by the tragic loss of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley, had severely strained India-China relations, with Modi last formally interacting with Xi at the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022. Modi articulated India’s appreciation for the Brics collaboration as a pivotal medium for discussing global development agendas, climate change, and economic cooperation, among other pressing topics. The recent expansion of Brics to include new members has further diversified its agenda, enhancing the coalition’s inclusive approach to global issues. The Brics group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was augmented in 2023 with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia expressing interest but yet to join. As Prime Minister Modi ventures into this summit, he aims to foster stronger ties within Brics while bolstering India’s pivotal role on the global stage.
The Brics summit represents a critical platform for the members to engage on issues affecting global governance and cooperation. The recent developments in India-China relations, particularly regarding the LAC patrol agreement, highlight a significant shift in diplomatic interactions that were previously marred by military standoffs. The context of Modi’s visit is rooted in strengthening alliances and addressing pressing geopolitical concerns, including the war in Ukraine and broader economic partnerships. Brics’ recent expansion signifies an evolving coalition aimed at enhancing global dialogue.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Brics summit in Russia embodies India’s strategic diplomatic efforts to reinforce its alliances, particularly with Russia, while navigating the complex relationship with China post-LAC agreement. His discussions with other Brics leaders, notably President Xi Jinping, are poised to address critical issues impacting regional stability and global cooperation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
