PM Modi departs for Russia today to attend BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Russia today to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22-23. His visit comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marks Modi’s second visit to Russia this year. In addition to attending the summit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with leaders of BRICS and other invited guests.

BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, expanded to include South Africa in 2010. This year, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE have joined the group. The upcoming summit is significant as it’s the first after this expansion, further cementing BRICS as a major platform for advancing the interests of emerging economies, especially those from the Global South. Russia, as the current BRICS chair, is looking forward to hosting Modi and 40 other global leaders. Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, emphasized the importance of this expansion, signaling that more countries are likely to join in the near future.

The summit will focus on economic cooperation, development initiatives, and the strategic positioning of BRICS nations on the global stage. The inclusion of new members highlights the group’s growing influence and appeal among developing nations.

During his visit, Modi will also meet with President Putin. The discussions may touch on cultural and economic ties, including the promotion of Indian films in Russia. At a recent press conference, Putin noted the enduring popularity of Bollywood movies in Russia, from classics like Awara and Disco Dancer to modern hits like Pathaan. He highlighted the strong cultural connection between the two nations, pointing out that Russian audiences have a deep appreciation for Indian cinema. Putin suggested that both nations could explore ways to further promote Indian films and discussed the broader economic potential of the film industry, including its regulation.

In addition to cultural ties, the two leaders are expected to discuss opportunities in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, strengthening economic collaboration between the two countries. This visit underlines the growing strategic partnership between India and Russia.