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BRICS Against China’s BRI, Brazil Leads the Charge

Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally…reports Asian Lite News

Before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Brazil on November 20, the Brazilian government has abandoned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Brazil is now the second BRICS nation to reject this multi-billion dollar project, following India.

Back in December 2023, Italy, the sole G7 country to join the BRI, also withdrew from this extensive infrastructure scheme. Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally.

Under President Lula da Silva, Brazil aims to enhance its relationship with China while avoiding formal commitments to the BRI. Brazilian officials are seeking Chinese investments without formally joining the BRI, reflecting a desire for strategic autonomy. Celso Amorim, Brazil’s special presidential adviser for international affairs, told O Globo that Brazil wants to “elevate its relationship with China to a new level without signing an accession contract.”

India at the BRICS summit-Exercise of Strategic Autonomy in difficult circumstances.(photo:IN)

Amorim clarified that Brazil does not see Chinese trade and infrastructure projects as “an insurance policy,” stating, “We are not entering into a treaty.” He explained that Brazil has identified priority projects that may not align with Chinese interests, emphasizing the importance of Brazil’s own priorities.

In an intriguing turn of events, Brazilian officials, including Celso Amorim and President Lula da Silva’s chief of staff, Rui Costa, visited Beijing last year to explore the BRI. However, they came back unconvinced by China’s proposals, pointing to the increasing hurdles and evolving views on the initiative’s long-term benefits among partner nations. Both Brazil’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy have voiced doubts about the BRI’s practical advantages, casting uncertainty on its strategic importance for Brazil’s national interests.

Like India, Brazil aims to stay out of the superpower rivalry and keep its strategic autonomy. Concerns are growing that joining the BRI could strain future U.S. relations, especially if Donald Trump returns to power. Trump’s past opposition to China heightens the stakes for BRI participants. Given these shifting geopolitical dynamics, Brazil is focusing on its infrastructure projects and seeking flexible partnerships with Chinese investors that align with its development goals, avoiding entanglements that could threaten its autonomy.

On the evening of June 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Summit.(Photo:Xinhua/IANS)

Brazil, the world’s eighth-largest economy, has the US as its second-largest trading partner. In 2023, trade with the US reached $74.8 billion, with exports at $37.9 billion (down 26% from 2022) and imports at $36.9 billion (down 2%). US exports to Brazil made up 2.3% of total US exports, while imports from Brazil accounted for 1.2%. In May 2024, Brazil and the US agreed to boost trade and investment.

China, Brazil’s largest trading partner for 14 years, saw bilateral trade hit $181.53 billion in 2023, up 6.1% year-on-year. China’s exports to Brazil were $59.11 billion (down 4.3%), while imports from Brazil rose to $122.42 billion (up 11.9%).

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, later welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. The coalition addresses political, economic, and cultural issues. China, contributing 70% of BRICS’ GDP, leads economically but the BRI remains its independent venture. This doesn’t affect BRICS+ unity, as members engage China while safeguarding national interests. Brazil exemplifies this by maintaining a strategic stance, focusing on economic growth and diversifying partnerships to uphold its foreign policy independence.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a massive infrastructure project often seen as Xi Jinping’s hallmark effort. It aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through an extensive network of railways, highways, ports, and airports, reviving the ancient Silk Road. Spanning over 150 countries, including 22 in Latin America, the BRI seeks to boost global trade and investment.

However, unmet promises, environmental concerns, and China’s lending practices have raised doubts, with many nations reconsidering their involvement due to potential debt traps.

India’s BRICS involvement balances its ties with Western-led and Global South platforms. This strategy strengthens its U.S. relations while engaging with Russia and China. India, the first to express BRI reservations, consistently opposes the initiative, citing an unequal playing field for its businesses and has refused to join the BRI.

Tense Indo-China relations, marred by trade imbalances and border disputes, have deepened India’s negative view of the BRI. India opposes the initiative, particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), seen as infringing on its territorial integrity.

India also perceives the BRI as a form of Chinese neo-colonialism, entrapping smaller nations in debt, damaging ecosystems, and disrupting communities. The controversial 99-year lease of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port highlights such financial crises, raising concerns about sovereignty and Chinese influence.

Brazil and India’s shift away from the BRI underscores the mounting unease over China’s global infrastructure ambitions. India has been vocal in its criticism, pushing for international norms, governance, and transparency. The BRI is often seen as China using its advantages to build political ties. Acknowledging this, Brazil’s move mirrors India’s stance, marking a strategic decision to assert its geopolitical interests while managing global partnerships.( The article was published in DIRECTUS)

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Russia rejects news about turning down Lanka’s BRICS bid 

The Russian Embassy further informed that Sri Lanka’s application would be considered by BRICS in due course of time, along with full consultation and consensus…reports Asian Lite News

The Russian embassy in Sri Lanka rejected the fake news being circulated claiming that Sri Lanka’s bid to join the BRICS grouping has been rejected. 

Sharing the clarification on the social media platform, X, the Russian Embassy in Colombo released a press statement regarding the issue, and said the Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka’s interest. 

“The Embassy noticed the misleading article regarding the Sri Lanka’s bid for BRICS membership which was published in the “Sunday Island” on November 09, 2024″. 

“The Embassy would like to highlight that Sri Lanka has applied to join BRICS. The Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka’s interest”, the press statement noted. 

The Russian Embassy further informed that Sri Lanka’s application would be considered by BRICS in due course of time, along with full consultation and consensus. The application would be considered along with the bids of numerous other countries who have also applied. 

Notably, various countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping in recent times. These include nations like Malaysia and Thailand amongst others. 

“The local media reports that Sri Lanka’s application has been rejected are wrong,” the Russian Embassy added. 

The 16th BRICS Summit took place in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to October 24. 

BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. 

The grouping was formalized during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia’s Yekaterinburg in 2009. 

It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. 

A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was expressed that the expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good. 

India has routinely expressed great faith in multilateral institutions such as BRICS. 

“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others,” PM Modi had earlier noted. (ANI) 

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BRICS Expansion Likely in 2025, Hints Lavrov

Screengrab of official footage shows that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during an online press conference on June 6, 2022.(Xinhua/IANS)

The Russian minister noted that many countries “want to take part in BRICS events”….reports Asian Lite News

The BRICS could expand further in 2025 as the member countries will deliberate on new full-fledged entrants as well as the criteria for partner countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated.

“People in countries of the global East vote primarily for politicians proclaiming their plans to establish closer relations with BRICS one way or another. I have already said that a number of countries are seeking full-fledged membership. This issue will be considered throughout the next year,” Lavrov said in an interview with TV BRICS, Russian media reported.

The Russian minister noted that many countries “want to take part in BRICS events”.

“There are more than 30 of them. As I have said, the criteria for the partner country category will be agreed upon. After the summit in Kazan, the Russian presidency sent invitations to several countries that applied to join our work. Ten such countries enjoy a consensus among the existing BRICS members,” he said.

“We have an accord that as soon as we receive a reply from the invited country, this country will be proclaimed as joining BRICS as a partner country. We believe that they will have an opportunity to take part in all BRICS events,” he added.

Following the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam were added as partner countries. While Russian authorities announced the number of partner countries, these were not named and it was BRICS members’ media, or a particular country’s leaders, who identified the partner countries.

Lavrov also said: “A separate format of meetings involving only full-fledged members is most likely to be preserved, and all other formats, including Outreach Plus ones, meetings of Foreign and other ministers (of Economy, Energy, Trade, Health, Culture) will be open to them.”

He, however, said that they want the partner countries “to join this work”.

“They will take part in practically all events,” the Russian Minister said.

On the BRICS’ global influence, he said: “It influences domestic processes in the sense that being informed about BRICS’ work, its achievements and plans it sets and implements, people want to join this equitable and mutually beneficial process.”

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How BRICS is Shaping a Bold New Global Narrative

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recalled that BRICS was created when the world was more dependent on Western countries than it is now. Since then, the situation has begun to change, and this has become possible, among other things, due to the increasing influence of the BRICS.

Major players in global politics are not satisfied with the independent position of the member states and the absence of a conflict of interest at the BRICS 2024 summit

A number of meetings of representatives of various countries within the framework of BRICS took place in Russia, in which the heads of multiple state administrations and ministries of India took an active part. On September 27, a meeting of heads and experts of the tax administrations of the BRICS countries took place in Moscow, and the revenue secretary of India, Sanjay Malhotra, also participated.

The 12th meeting of the Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation was also held in Moscow. At the same time, a meeting of the BRICS working group and a conference on astronomy took place in Kazan, during which experts from the member countries considered several exciting topics: “Small bodies of the Solar System as transient objects”, “Transients in astrophysics”, “Astronomical data”, “Conveyors for astronomical data in multichannel observations”, “Scientific platform for a global data network”, “Astronomical instrumentation”. The astronomical conference facilitated the exchange of experiences in space exploration, the construction of spacecraft, and the very understanding of near-Earth space.

Kazan, Oct 24 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar ahead of the BRICS Outreach session, in Kazan on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

The BRICS Energy Week, which took place in Moscow, also plays a vital role in establishing contacts between the countries.

Earlier, the BRICS countries held a meeting of Ministers of Justice of the member states for the first time, which was actively attended by Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs of India. Rana presented the Indian Government’s efforts to reform judicial processes by solving the issue of case backlogs and improving the government’s role as a responsible plaintiff.

“These reforms aimed at optimizing public litigation are very relevant for the BRICS community, where the exchange of experience can lead to innovative solutions to reduce delays and create effective legal systems,” she said. Anju Rathi Rana called for special attention to enhancing justice delivery and the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In her opinion, such mechanisms “can become an important tool for reducing the judicial burden and ensuring timely and fair conflict resolution” in the BRICS countries.

There were also diplomatic and customs meetings within the framework of the BRICS and a media summit of the organization. The meeting of the heads of the media of the member countries at this summit was held with the aim of organizing a united “information front” that will prevent the dissemination of false information about the BRICS. The leadership of our country has already had to face such false information. This happened last year when Bloomberg wrote about the desire of the Indian leadership to prevent the admission of new members, as well as that our country intended to “resist” the efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping to use the BRICS summit to emphasize efforts to build an alternative world order.

As a result, Indian officials were forced to refute this unfounded statement of Western agencies, and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said that “BRICS will break down barriers, revitalise the economy, stimulate innovation, create opportunities and shape the future. India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership, and we welcome progress in this direction.” In fact, the false Bloomberg report was aimed at undermining cooperation between India and China, which actively stands for the admission of new members to the organization.

In fact, the agency duplicated the position on China’s initiatives of the countries of the collective West, which are ready to make every effort to disrupt Chinese initiatives within the framework of the BRICS, and tried to impose this position on the leadership of India. This is completely contrary to the policy of the organisation, in which everything is solved by joint decisions that take into account the interests of all BRICS countries.

Speaking at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, Indian External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar said, “Traveling around the world, I see more and more enthusiasm, interest, and more and more countries wishing to associate in one form or another. Of course, BRICS has evolved on its own, a new development bank has been created, and other areas of cooperation are developing.

However, we have collective positions, and there are many issues on which our interests differ. I mean, India and Russia, China and Brazil, and South Africa will not necessarily agree on all issues, and in certain cases, perhaps, our positions may be quite different.” For this purpose, the organization is working at various levels so that all countries can express their position and make a joint decision that suits everyone.

However, attempts to disrupt cooperation between the BRICS countries continue. For example, the US State Department recently called on India to revoke the accreditation of Russian television journalists and extend the law “On Foreign Missions” to them. Officials of our government stated that the discussion of such sanctions has nothing to do with India, and experts noted that the ban on media organizations demonstrates the “double standards” of Western countries. The organization’s media summit was dedicated to countering such information attacks.

In October 2024, the BRICS summit was held in the Russian city of Kazan, where the leaders of the participating countries discussed the future of the organisation and approved the directions in which cooperation will develop. Many countries of the collective West were ready to make every effort to disrupt this summit and create conflicts between the participating countries before it.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, speaking at the Munich security conference this spring, noted that “like any other product, sooner or later you want to check whether it will be in demand on the market. This is exactly what we did last year when we asked who would like to join the BRICS. 30 countries have expressed interest in this. This means that there is certainly something good in our product.” Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recalled that BRICS was created when the world was more dependent on Western countries than it is now. Since then, the situation has begun to change, and this has become possible, among other things, due to the increasing influence of the BRICS.

(The article is authored by Shubham Kumar Saurabh , CEO and MD Studypalacehub)

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‘BRICS Emerges as Key Platform for Global South’

Russian diplomat stated that an evolving BRICS as a dedicated platform for the Global South is a reflection of current realities….reports Asian Lite News

New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Listing promotion of just and equal multipolarity as a vital priority, Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov on Monday asserted that the addition of more partner-countries will multiply the value of diversified partnership and add to BRICS’s global influence, which is now making a decisive contribution to the global food and energy security.

Briefing media in New Delhi on the outcomes of last week’s 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, which was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Russian diplomat stated that an evolving BRICS as a dedicated platform for the Global South is a reflection of current realities.

“As like-minded countries, we will keep closely coordinating on various international issues on the UN, G20 and WTO agenda to create better conditions for the Global South to get an equal access to technological, financial and natural resources and to remove development gaps and achieve SDGs,” commented Alipov.

The summit in Kazan was held under the motto of ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security’ and was the first in the expanded format with leaders from 35 states and six international organisations, including the UN Secretary General as well as Asian, African and Latin American countries, joining the plus and outreach formats.

Under its presidency, Russia hosted around 200 events – foreign and other sectoral ministerial meetings, the Parliamentary Forum (attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla), the NSAs dialogue – that saw participation of NSA AJit Doval – working groups, conferences and seminars, business fora, cultural and film festivals as also sport games, fashion forum and fire drills.

“We succeeded quite well despite all doubts regarding differences within the expanded membership. Because our biggest value is the sincere dedication to find amicable solutions and a common ground when it comes to difficult issues,” maintained Alipov.

He emphasised that BRICS is not exclusive but inclusive, not anti-west but non-west and has transformed into an “indispensable framework” for emerging centres of power, attracting more and more counties as a response to the global turbulence and uncertainty.

“One of the major outcomes of the summit is that we have created the new category of partner-countries, which will be individually invited to join the forum in this capacity. They will be announced after they accept invitations. It was very important to satisfy the growing interest to BRICS. This step will definitely multiply the value of our diversified partnership and add to the forum’s global influence, which is now making a decisive contribution to the global food and energy security,” said Alipov.

The BRICS members decided in Kazan to work out an investment platform through strengthening the New Development Bank as the key institution for sustainable development of its shareholders along with considering the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative to facilitate interaction between central banks and the use of local currencies to strengthen financial sovereignty and independence.

It was also decided to study the feasibility of an electronic platform to settle cross-border trade in securities – BRICS Clear – and a BRICS (Re)Insurance Company besides upgrading Contingent Currency Arrangement, which serves as crucial tool to safeguard from short-term current account deficits.

“The Summit in Kazan signaled that the new constructive agenda is shaping. Russia is committed to strengthen BRICS further with the focus on practical cooperation and international coordination,” the Russian Ambassador remarked.

Last Wednesday, during the BRICS restricted format meeting that was also addressed by Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that more than 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa which had added four new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates – in January, this year.

“It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS. In one form or another, more than 30 states have already expressed such a desire. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and not allow a decrease in the effectiveness of BRICS,” said Putin while making his opening statement.

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Putin proposes investment platform for partner nations

As of now, BRICS has two financial platforms namely the New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, proposed to create a new investment platform for BRICS countries, Reuters reported.

“We propose to set up a new investment platform of BRICS,” he said, addressing the plenary session of BRICS Summit.

“We need to jointly promote the low-emission model of the economy. New BRICS global investment platform to provide financial resources for all countries of the Global South,” the Russian President said as quoted by Reuters.

As of now, BRICS has two financial platforms namely the New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

The New Development Bank mobilises resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, to supplement existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

The Contingency Reserve Arrangement is a short-term liquidity support for the BRICS members through currency swaps to help mitigate the balance of payment crisis situation, in case such a situation arises and thus further strengthens financial stability.

Notably, BRICS member countries have signed MoUs with each other and have agreements in place that strengthen actions towards climate change. These include the BRICS Environmentally Sound Technology (BEST) Platform for sharing information and best practices on environmentally friendly technologies.

The Russian President also highlighted that over 30 countries have expressed the desire to join BRICS, while adding that the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting, but it was important to strike a balance in any expansion.

“It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS,” Putin said.

“At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and prevent a decrease in the effectiveness of the BRICS,” he said, adding that the grouping would also discuss “acute regional conflicts,” the Russian President was cited as saying by Reuters.

BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006.

The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia’s Yekaterinburg in 2009. (ANI)

‘Over 30 countries willing to join BRICS’

Over 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday addressing a meeting of the grouping.

Addressing world leaders at the Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit, Putin said the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting but that it was important to strike a balance in any expansion, Reuters news agency reported.

During the session held at the Kazan Expo Center in the Rusian city of Kazan, Putin said, “Over 30 countries have expressed the desire to join BRICS.”

“It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS,” Putin said.

“At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and prevent a decrease in the effectiveness of the BRICS,” he said, adding that the grouping would also discuss “acute regional conflicts,” the Russian President was cited as saying by Reuters.

He further said that the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting, while keeping in mind the need to maintain efficiency, according to Reuters.

Later today, PM Modi is set to have a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

The meeting in the capital of Tatarstan marks the first formal interaction between the two leaders in five years and follows the two countries reaching an agreement on resuming regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, shared a joint photo of the leaders of the grouping, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was taken ahead of the Summit.

Taking to his X platform, Jaiswal wrote, “Stronger and united together for an inclusive and a multipolar world. A historic moment for the BRICS as the leaders take the first photo of the expanded BRICS family at the XVI BRICS Summit.”

Prime Minister Modi and UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were seen interacting after the photo session.

A day before, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that a focus area for the BRICS summit is establishing modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model. He further reiterated that the discussions between PM Modi and President Putin included a partner country model.

The remarks by Misri came while addressing a media briefing.

He said, “I think one of the focus areas is, I wouldn’t say the expansion of BRICS, but what we are discussing right now which is the modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model with BRICS. So that is one of the focus areas for this summit.”

He added, “With regard to discussions between Prime Minister and President Putin on some of the issues that are being discussed in BRICS on membership is a partner country model that is under discussion. The guidelines, modalities and the parameters of this model are under discussion. This is something that is still a work in progress at this point. So, I don’t want to go beyond my brief and comment on something that is still under discussion. Again, there might be developments later…”

BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006.

The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia’s Yekaterinburg in 2009.

It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. (ANI)

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China calls BRICS a positive, stable force

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other leaders are due to attend the crucial summit at the Russian city of Kazan…reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of the BRICS summit in Russia, China on Monday said the bloc representing emerging economies has remained a positive and stable force committed to upholding multilateralism.

The summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), which now has expanded with five additional members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, will be held in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22 to 24.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other leaders are due to attend it. “Let me reaffirm that this year marks the beginning of greater BRICS cooperation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing here, elaborating on China’s view of the BRICS.

This summit is the first one after the expansion of BRICS, which draws widespread attention from the international community, he said.

“Since its founding, BRICS has followed the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, remained true to its founding purpose of seeking strength through solidarity, stayed committed to upholding multilateralism and become a positive and stable force for good in international affairs,” he said.

During this summit, President Xi Jinping will have in-depth exchanges of views with other leaders on the international landscape, the BRICS practical cooperation, the development of the BRICS mechanism and important issues of mutual interest, he said.

“China stands ready to work with other parties to strive for the steady and sustained development of greater BRICS cooperation, open a new era for the Global South to seek strength through solidarity and jointly promote world peace and development,” he said.

PM lauds potential of BRICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a two-day visit to Kazan, Russia, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, underscoring that India attaches “immense importance” to the grouping.

Sharing a post on X ahead of his departure, Modi wrote, “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.”

The Prime Minister’s office in a statement quoted the PM Modi as saying, “I am departing today on a two-day visit to Kazan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.”

“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others,” Modi said.

Lavrov praises Russia, India, China troika  

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed the existence of the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika and said that despite the group not meeting for some time due to several circumstances, the troika remains an “independent mechanism.”

Lavrov said, “BRICS epitomises the shifts that have long been underway in the global economy. New centres of economic growth are emerging, and alongside them comes financial influence, which in turn brings political influence. For more than a year and indeed over several decades, the epicentre of global development has been transitioning from the Euro-Atlantic region to Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. This trend was first observed by economists from a private Western bank, which identified the world’s fastest-growing economies. The term BRICS originates from this study, based purely on objective statistical data.”

He added, “It was at that juncture that BRICS began to take form, completing a process initiated by Yevgeny Primakov in the 1990s. He proposed the initiative to hold regular meetings within the framework of the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika. This troika remains in existence. Although they have not convened for some time due to the pandemic and other circumstances, it persists as an independent mechanism.”

Lavrov further spoke about the joining of Brazil and South Africa and said, “Subsequently, Brazil joined the RIC, transforming it into BRIC. Thereafter, South Africa joined the ranks, and BRICS was established (in the context of the analysis I referred to), representing the fastest and most consistently growing economies among the world majority nations.”

He added, “Since then, BRICS has prioritised the needs of its nations, and interest in the grouping continues to grow. It is a consortium where no single nation leads or is led…”

The Russian foreign minister emphasised BRICS’ dedication to increasing its member nations’ collective potential and making collaborative strategies to harness this potential for mutual gain.

“BRICS is committed to enhancing the combined potential of its nations and devising collaborative strategies for harnessing these potentials for mutual benefit. Consequently, rather than relying on artificial constructs, BRICS formulates plans and projects based on real-world needs. Experts from various fields including economy, trade, logistics, transport, communications, and modern information and communication technologies convene,” Lavrov said.

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PM Modi Hails Expansion of BRICS

Brahmapur : Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally for the Lok Sabha polls in Brahmapur, Odisha on Monday, May 06, 2024. (Photo: IANS)

The 16TH summit is the first since the expansion of the group to nine members, with Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE joining this year after being offered membership in the 2023 summit in South Africa….reports Asian Lite News

The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he embarked on a two-day visit to Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.

“Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there,” Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister stated: “I am departing today on a two day visit to Kazan at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.”

“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others…,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said that building upon the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, “my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia”.

“I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well,” he said.

The summit is the first since the expansion of the group to nine members, with Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE joining this year after being offered membership in the 2023 summit in South Africa.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”, will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries and invited leaders in Kazan.

As per Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the BRICS summit in Kazan will host leaders from 24 countries and delegations from a total of 32 nations, making it the largest foreign policy event ever held in Russia.

Apart from the main BRICS meeting, there will be meetings in the BRICS+ format on the theme “BRICS and the Global South: Building the Future of the World Together” involving representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders of various aspirant countries, including Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and others are also expected to attend the summit.

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Stage set for crucial BRICS summit

The summit is the first since the expansion of the group to nine members, with Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE joining this year …reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Russia on Monday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit on October 22-23 and also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of the group’s members and other invitees. This marks PM Modi’s second visit to Russia this year.

The summit is the first since the expansion of the group to nine members, with Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE joining this year after being offered membership in the 2023 summit in South Africa. Argentina and Saudi Arabia were also invited but the former declined after a change of government, while the latter is yet to respond.

Modi will visit Russia from October 22-23 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held in Kazan, under the chairmanship of Russia, the MEA said.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”, will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues, it said, adding that the Summit will offer a valuable opportunity to assess the progress of initiatives launched by BRICS and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.

During his visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries and invited leaders in Kazan, the MEA said.

As per Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, the BRICS summit in Kazan will host leaders from 24 countries and delegations from a total of 32 nations, making it the largest foreign policy event ever held in Russia.

Apart from the main BRICS meeting, there will be meetings in the BRICS+ format on the theme “BRICS and the Global South: Building the Future of the World Together” involving representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

While all the top leaders of all member countries – seven Presidents and two Prime Ministers – will attend, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders of various aspirant countries, including Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and others.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said that Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS summit is important, because he will be meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and can share his insights on resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Notably, Modi visited Russia in June, right after taking office for the third time. Following that, he also visited Ukraine the following month.

India has emphasised the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will have broad acceptability and contribute towards early restoration of peace in the Ukraine conflict that started in February 2022.

India has also expressed its willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace. Sachdev said, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the BRICS summit can turn out to be something very interesting. One, of course, the PM will be participating in the BRICS platform, wherein all BRICS countries are there. The various agendas of BRICS countries will be discussed. But apart from that, there are two bilaterals, which are very interesting to see.”

Putin praises Bollywood

Putin praised ‘Bollywood’ and said that Indian films are most popular in the country in a media briefing ahead of the BRICS Summit.

On being asked if Russia will give incentives to BRICS member states for shooting films in the country, Russian President Putin said, “If we look at BRICS member states, I think in this country Indian films are most popular. We have a special TV channel with Indian movies being shown on it round the clock. We have a lot of interest in Indian films. We hold the BRICS film festival. This year Moscow International Film Festival introduces films from BRICS nations. We are positive that if Indian films are interested then we will find some common ground and promote them in Russia. Pharmaceuticals will also be a good undertaking. I am ready to talk to the Prime Minister of India and we will come to terms and there will be no difficulty…”

Putin said that he would talk to his ‘friend’, Modi about this proposal and was confident that the two would come to terms. “I’m ready to talk with our friend, the Prime Minister of India when he arrives in Kazan. I’m sure we will come to terms 100 per cent. No difficulties, I observe there… It would be fascinating to see not only Indian films but those featuring BRICS countries’ actors representing their cultures, an Indian actor, a Chinese and Ethiopian actor. Well, you know, we discussed it with the colleagues from BRICS nations that we should organize a festival of theatrical art and we established the cinema academy,” he said.

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BRICS respects civilizational diversity, says Russian envoy  

New Delhi, Mar 18 (ANI): Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov speaks on the outcomes of the Russian Presidential Election held in India, on Monday. The Russian Presidential Election in India concludes with a total of 1701 votes cast. (ANI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan….reports Asian Lite News

Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov said that Russia is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia for the BRICS Summit while adding that the grouping has emerged as an influential platform for developing and emerging economies.

Speaking on the upcoming summit, he said the motto of the Russian presidency and the forthcoming summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security”.

“We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along with around 40 other prominent leaders to participate in regular and Outreach/BRICS Plus sessions. The motto of the Russian presidency and the forthcoming summit is ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security’,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.

Alipov further said that BRICS provides a platform to promote democratization of the global governance and offers a diversified, inclusive and consensus-based cooperation.

“BRICS is a multidimensional phenomenon. It has become an influential platform for developing and emerging economies to take forward a rich agenda and to promote democratization of the global governance reflective of our growing influence. It offers diversified, inclusive and consensus-based cooperation within more than 80 sectoral tracks structured into the three baskets: policy and security, economy and finance and humanitarian and cultural ties,” he said.

The Russian envoy further said that several countries are keen to join the BRICS grouping because it provides respects civilizational diversity and offers a platform for mutually beneficial dialogue.

“BRICS respects civilizational diversity and offers the platform for mutually beneficial dialogue free from pressure, double standards or interference in domestic affairs. No wonder that a large number of countries has expressed interest in joining, and we see it natural for BRICS to expand in one way or another. After our membership has doubled last year, which is itself a landmark, we move towards the establishment of a partner-country category to enable interested states to join our practical cooperation,” Alipov said.

“We think we must satisfy their expectations that would consolidate BRICS potential as a dedicated mechanism to promote the agenda of the Global South,” he added.

He said that countries that are economically ambitious and oppose illegitimate sanctions against member-states.

“I would not prejudge who exactly will be invited, and what are the criteria, but certainly, those countries should be economically ambitious and oppose illegitimate sanctions against member-states. I presume we are all against the phantom itching for dictate and restricting cooperation with other nations. The case in point is that geopolitical and practical relevance of BRICS is growing not only despite uncertainties, but because of them reflecting the demand for more equitable cooperation in a multipolar environment,” he said.

Elaborating on the significance of BRICS, the envoy said the grouping represents over 30 per cent of the world’s land area, 45 per cent of world’s population, 40 per cent of oil production, and up to 25 per cent of global experts.

“Around 200 events have already taken place under the Russian presidency this year as a testimony that the expanded BRICS has succeeded. Our main focus was to ensure a smooth adaptation of new members to the BRICS culture as well as traditions and overall eco-system. With new members, BRICS represents over 30% of the world’s land area, 45 per cent of the population, 40 per cent of oil production, up to 25 per cent of export. The combined GDP of BRICS nations has long surpassed that of the G7. One of the biggest values has been the sincere dedication to find amicable solutions and a common ground when it comes to difficult issues,” Alipov said.

He appreciated Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s participation in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in July and other officials in meetings.

“We highly appreciate the support of our presidency in this regard. Much welcomed was the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in July in Saint Petersburg and other high Indian officials in various meetings. Regular involvement of NSA Ajit Doval in the BRICS high-level meetings on security matters is always critically important,” he said. (ANI)

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