BRICS Summit: PM Modi highlights forum for deliberating global south's concerns

New Delhi, August 22: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that BRICS, the consortium comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has actively fostered a robust collaboration agenda spanning various sectors. He underscored BRICS' role as a platform for discussing and deliberating upon issues of paramount significance for the Global South as a whole.

Prime Minister Modi expressed anticipation for engaging in bilateral discussions with "some of the leaders present in Johannesburg."

He stated, "BRICS has consistently pursued a strong cooperative agenda across diverse sectors. We highly value the fact that BRICS has evolved into a platform for addressing concerns shared by the entire Global South, encompassing developmental priorities and reform of the multilateral system." The Prime Minister conveyed this message through an official statement.

Narendra Modi is set to depart for South Africa to take part in the 15th BRICS Summit, having received an invitation from the nation's president, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

Scheduled to span from August 22 to 24, the BRICS summit marks Prime Minister Modi's third visit to South Africa and commemorates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and South Africa.

In his pre-departure declaration ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister articulated, "I am embarking on a journey to the Republic of South Africa from August 22-24, 2023, at the kind invitation of Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa. This visit is to participate in the 15th BRICS Summit, hosted under the South African Chairmanship, in Johannesburg."

He further elaborated, "During my sojourn in Johannesburg, I am also looking forward to my involvement in the BRICS–Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue event, integral components of the BRICS Summit's proceedings. I anticipate meaningful interactions with several guest nations that have been cordially invited to partake in this event."

This gathering marks the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual sessions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to attend the 15th BRICS Summit virtually, the Russian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Additionally, Putin will participate in a specialized event themed "Brics – Africa Outreach and Brics plus dialogue."

This event has been orchestrated post the BRICS Summit and features the participation of numerous countries, predominantly from the African continent, as per South Africa's invitations.

Following his participation in the BRICS Summit, the Prime Minister is slated to journey to Athens, Greece, on Friday, extending an invitation extended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In this context, the Prime Minister shared, "This trip will mark my inaugural visit to this ancient land. I am honored to be the first Indian Prime Minister to grace Greece with a visit in the past four decades."

He continued, "Our historical connections span over two thousand years. In contemporary times, our relationship has flourished due to shared principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and pluralism. Collaborations across diverse sectors such as commerce, investment, defense, and cultural and interpersonal interactions have progressively strengthened ties between our nations."

Reflecting on the impending visit to Greece, Prime Minister Modi voiced his anticipation: "I am enthusiastic about my visit to Greece ushering in a new chapter in our multifaceted relationship."

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- ANI

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