Special Briefing on Prime Minister’s visit to Russia (October 21, 2024)

Summary

In a briefing led by Foreign Secretary SRI Vikram Mishri, key details about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit were shared. The summit, themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Global Development and Security,' will address new BRICS member integration and focus on enhancing economic cooperation across various sectors. Amid discussions on bilateral meetings with leaders, including potential talks with President Putin and the Chinese President, pressing issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and humanitarian concerns in West Asia were also highlighted, emphasizing India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Prime Minister will attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
• 📅 The Summit is scheduled from October 22 to 24, 2024, with the main sessions taking place on October 23.
• 💼 India emphasizes its founding member status in BRICS, contributing significantly to discussions on economic growth and global governance reform.
• 🔑 The theme of this year's Summit is 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.'
• 🤝 This Summit will see the integration of new BRICS members and discussions on enhancing economic cooperation.
• 🍽️ The first day includes a leaders-only dinner, followed by a closed plenary and an open plenary on the main theme.
• 📜 A Kazan Declaration is expected to be adopted, outlining future directions for BRICS cooperation.
• 👥 The Indian delegation for the Outreach Summit will be led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, focusing on BRICS and the Global South.
• 🇮🇳 There are expectations for bilateral meetings between PM Modi and several leaders, including a potential meeting with the Chinese President.
• 🛰️ Discussions on a BRICS Space Council and cooperation in areas like satellite data for climate change are ongoing.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 16th BRICS Summit?

The main theme of the 16th BRICS Summit is 'strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security.'

Who is attending the 16th BRICS Summit?

The summit will be attended by the founding members of BRICS as well as the new members that were added during the Johannesburg Summit last year.

What are some of the key areas of focus for this year's summit?

Key areas of focus include strengthening economic cooperation, promoting energy and food security, and enhancing collaboration in science, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, youth exchanges, and civil society.

When will the summit take place, and what is the schedule?

The summit will take place from October 22 to October 24. The first day will feature a welcome event and a leaders-only dinner, with the main sessions occurring on October 23.

What significant document is expected to be adopted at the summit?

The leaders are expected to adopt the Kazan Declaration, which will outline the future path for BRICS.

Will Prime Minister Modi hold any bilateral meetings during the summit?

Yes, Prime Minister Modi is expected to have several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, although the specifics are still being finalized.

How many heads of state and international organizations are expected to participate in the Outreach Summit?

Approximately 28 heads of state and government and five international organizations are expected to participate in the Outreach Summit.

What has been the response regarding Indians involved in the conflict in Russia?

The Indian government has been in close contact with Russian officials regarding Indians who were illegally contracted to fight. About 85 individuals have returned, while nearly 20 remain, and the government is pressing for their early discharge.

What is the current status of discussions regarding a BRICS Space Council?

BRICS countries have recently signed an agreement on remote sensing satellite cooperation, and discussions regarding a BRICS Space Council are ongoing, but no specific details have been finalized yet.

What is India's position on the situation in West Asia and the Israel-Palestine conflict?

India has consistently condemned terrorism and called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. India supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel.