Prime Minister Narendra Modi says 'India values close cooperation' of BRICS members before leaving for 16th Summit in Kazan, Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emplaned the Air India One to head out for Kazan, Russia where he will take part in the 2024 BRICS Summit.

"I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there," the PM said in a post on X.

In his official Departure Statement as per ANI Modi said, "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."

"The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good. 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," the statement read.

Modi is set to hold a series of bilateral meetings including with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa).

It will be the first summit of the grouping after it was expanded at its summit in Johannesburg last year.

The BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the leaders of Russia, India and China in St. Petersburg in 2006. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.

Last year's expansion was the first such exercise since 2010. The new members included Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The theme for this year's summit is 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security'.

With PTI inputs