In a telephonic conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his participation in the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made an official announcement confirming the prime minister’s attendance at the prestigious event.
During their conversation, President Ramaphosa extended a warm invitation to Prime Minister Modi and provided an update on the preparations being made for the summit. The prime minister graciously accepted the invitation and expressed his eagerness to visit Johannesburg to actively participate in the summit.
The BRICS Summit is a significant platform that brings together five major emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit serves as an important forum for discussing matters of mutual interest, strengthening cooperation, and addressing global challenges.
One of the key topics to be discussed during the upcoming summit is the possibility of expanding the BRICS group to include more countries. Several nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Iran, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, have expressed their interest in joining BRICS. This interest highlights the growing recognition of BRICS as an influential forum for fostering economic and political collaboration.
In response to speculations about India’s stance on the expansion of BRICS, the MEA spokesperson clarified India’s position during a media briefing. India fully supports the idea of expanding BRICS and actively engages in discussions concerning the guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures for the expansion process. India advocates for a thorough and consultative approach, emphasizing the importance of reaching a consensus among the existing BRICS member countries regarding the inclusion of new nations.
Additionally, it was noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming BRICS Summit, but the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed support for the inclusion of new members, stating that it would further strengthen the organization and contribute to its development.
The BRICS group plays a significant role in the global arena, representing a substantial portion of the world’s population, GDP, and international trade. As India prepares to participate in the summit, it is reaffirming its commitment to fostering broader cooperation among BRICS nations and welcoming the inclusion of new members in a manner that ensures consensus and mutual benefit. The summit presents a valuable opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration on key regional and global issues, further solidifying the position of BRICS as a pivotal player in the international landscape.
