Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in South Africa on a formal visit spanning three days, during which he will actively participate in the 15th BRICS summit and engage in bilateral meetings with a host of global leaders. This diplomatic venture takes place from August 22 to 24, at the gracious invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Notably, this summit marks the pioneering in-person assembly of the BRICS nations, encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, since 2019.
Emphasising BRICS’ robust cooperative agenda across diverse sectors, Modi highlighted the platform’s significance in deliberating on issues pertinent to the entire Global South. This includes focal points such as development imperatives and the restructuring of the multilateral framework. Within this context, the upcoming summit assumes the role of a valuable conduit for charting the trajectory of future collaborations and appraising institutional growth.
Modi took to X to affirm his participation in both the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events. These sessions are primed to facilitate discussions on matters concerning the Global South as well as other developmental arenas. Notably, the BRICS coalition, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, converges five of the most substantial developing nations globally. Together, they account for 41% of the world’s populace, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of the global trade.
Inclusivity characterises this summit further, with over 20 heads of state from Africa and the Middle East securing invites to attend. Interestingly, several of these nations have expressed keen interest in joining the BRICS fold, a subject poised for discussion during the summit.
Modi’s anticipation extends to interacting with the guest countries participating in the event, a prospect he expressed with ardour. Additionally, he revealed his intention to hold one-on-one discussions with a subset of leaders assembled in Johannesburg.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s participation in the BRICS summit will be virtual, owing to the potential International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant he faces if he physically lands in South Africa.
Post his sojourn in South Africa, Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary sees him embarking on a voyage to Greece on August 25, at the gracious invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This marks Modi’s inaugural visit to this historic nation in over four decades. He expressed his honour at being the first Indian Prime Minister to grace Greek soil after such a substantial time span.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the deeply-rooted connections between India and Greece, spanning over two millennia. In contemporary times, these ties have been solidified by mutual values of democracy, rule of law, and pluralism. Strengthened by cooperation across various domains such as trade, investment, defence, culture, and people-to-people interactions, the relationship between the two nations has blossomed.
Anticipation fills the air as Modi looks forward to initiating a new chapter in this multifaceted relationship during his time in Greece. He expressed enthusiasm about interacting with the Indian community present in the region, underlining the importance of fostering connections that span geographical borders.
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