New Delhi, Delhi
Ahead of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin began a bilateral meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The meeting is being closely watched in the context of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. The two leaders are expected to discuss several key issues, including bilateral trade, energy cooperation and defence ties.
The meeting began on a warm note, with Prime Minister Modi and President Putin shaking hands and embracing each other. Prime Minister Modi also presented the Russian president with a Russian-language edition of a book by Tamil saint and poet Thiruvalluvar.
India and Russia have maintained strong cooperation in defence, energy and trade for decades. Against this backdrop, discussions on strengthening bilateral economic ties are expected to be an important part of the meeting. Energy cooperation has also remained a key pillar of the relationship between the two countries.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a major grouping of emerging economies. It currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
BRICS countries have a significant share of the global economy, trade and population. India’s BRICS chairmanship comes at a time when the world is facing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and challenges related to climate change.
Under its chairmanship, India is seeking to give greater prominence to issues concerning the Global South and promote cooperation on reforms in multilateral institutions.
