Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 22-23, under Russia’s chairmanship. The summit is anticipated to foster discussions on various global issues among BRICS member nations. One of the key highlights could be the potential meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping amid ongoing border tensions.
BRICS Summit 2024
The BRICS Summit 2024 is set to take place in Kazan, Russia, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year's theme, "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collective growth.
PM Modi's Agenda at BRICS
Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, confirmed PM Modi's primary focus will be on participating in the BRICS summit and holding bilateral talks with other leaders. A confirmed meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is on the schedule, with other potential meetings pending final arrangements.
Anticipated Modi-Xi Jinping Meeting
A possible face-to-face meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is drawing significant attention. The last meeting between the two leaders occurred during the BRICS Summit in South Africa last year. With strained India-China relations, this potential dialogue could be crucial.
China's Response
China's Foreign Ministry has not confirmed the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "We will keep you posted if anything comes up," highlighting the tentative nature of the situation.
India-China Border Negotiations
Ahead of the summit, Indian and Chinese negotiators reached an agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, announced by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This agreement marks a significant step toward resolving the border row, although Beijing has yet to respond officially.
Background: India-China Relations
India-China relations have been tense since the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in significant military conflict between the two nations. The potential meeting at the BRICS Summit could be pivotal in easing these tensions.
BRICS Expansion
The BRICS group has expanded to include new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This expansion highlights the group's growing influence and the importance of multilateral cooperation.
Conclusion
As the 16th BRICS Summit approaches, the world watches closely to see if PM Modi and President Xi Jinping will meet and discuss the ongoing border row. Such a meeting could have significant implications for India-China relations and regional stability.