Russian President
The forum, which serves as the primary private-sector platform for the grouping, was hosted in India ahead of the Leaders' Summit. Indian Prime Minister
Economic Expansion and Diplomatic Engagement
Modi emphasized that the economic strength of the bloc is growing at nearly double the pace of the rest of the world. He described the member nations as emerging hubs for innovation, ranging from grassroots initiatives to frontier technologies. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the opening ceremony, stated that India’s chairship of the group has focused on achieving more balanced trade and exploring service-sector expansion to benefit farmers, women, and young entrepreneurs.
Beyond the economic forum, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The meeting, their second this year following a session in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, involved a review of cooperation in defense, energy, space, and political domains. According to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders also addressed regional and global issues, specifically citing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have impacted maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.
Commitment to Diplomatic Resolution
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the necessary paths for resolving ongoing conflicts. The Indian government confirmed that it stands ready to assist in peace efforts. This sentiment aligns with previous statements made by the Prime Minister, who has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022.
Following the bilateral talks, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that President Putin has invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. The invitation has been accepted, with specific dates to be determined through diplomatic channels. The meeting concluded with the two leaders traveling together, marking their fourth shared car ride in recent years, as they continue to emphasize the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
