Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the expansion of BRICS ahead of the 16th annual summit of the grouping, saying the incorporation of new members last year has “added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good.”
Last August at the 15th BRICS Summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six emerging market countries (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) had been invited to join the group.
“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others,” the prime minister said.
In a statement issued ahead of his trip to Kazan, Russia the prime minister noted the visit will also “reinforce the special and privileged strategic partnership” between New Delhi and Moscow.
The summit in Kazan marks Modi’s second trip to Russia this year. He previously visited the country in July to attend a bilateral summit hosted by President Vladimir Putin. Several important announcements on increasing engagement, including boosting bilateral trade turnover to $100 billion by 2030, were made at the time.
Modi’s trip in July came under intense scrutiny from the West, particularly the US. Officials in the administration of US President Joe Biden said they were “uncomfortable” with the visit, particularly as it coincided with a key NATO meet featuring Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, according to media reports at the time.
In August, Modi met with Zelensky in Kiev, where he reiterated New Delhi’s position regarding the Ukraine conflict, urging a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.