Modi to Attend BRICS Summit in Russia, Possible Meeting with Xi Jinping on the Cards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on October 22-23 to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the external affairs ministry announced. The summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Modi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit.
Speculation has grown about a possible meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the event. The two nations have been working to resolve a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has significantly strained relations. While no official word has been given, recent meetings between Indian and Chinese diplomats suggest efforts to ease tensions.
BRICS, a bloc that represents 45% of the global population and nearly 28% of the world’s economy, is looking to further expand its membership under Russia’s chairmanship in 2024. India has been supportive of this expansion, viewing it as a means to strengthen the voice of the Global South.
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