BRICS: PM Modi says dialogue and diplomacy a key to resolve conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the role of diplomacy in resolving the conflict as he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday in Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS (Brazil, India, Russia, China, and South Africa) Summit.

During his conversation with both the leaders on the first day of the summit, he reiterated, “Dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts.”

He discussed key regional and global issues of mutual interest with Putin, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In his social media post on X, earlier known as Twitter, PM Modi said, “Had an excellent meeting with President Putin. The bond between India and Russia is deep-rooted. Our talks focussed on how to add even more vigour to our bilateral partnership across diverse sectors.”

Had an excellent meeting with President Putin. The bond between India and Russia is deep-rooted. Our talks focussed on how to add even more vigour to our bilateral partnership across diverse sectors. pic.twitter.com/5KCjqSO0QS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2024

In his opening remarks at the summit held in Kazan city located at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, PM Modi congratulated Russia on its successful chairmanship of BRUCS over the past year and added, “In the last fifteen years, BRICS has established its unique identity, and now several countries around the world wish to join it.”

He said his two visits to Russia in the past three months reflect close coordination and deep friendship with Russia. He added, “Our (India-Russia) cooperation in every field has been strengthened by our Annual Summit held in Moscow in July.”

The next India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Cultural matters will be held in November 2024 in New Delhi.

While speaking with Pezeshkian, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the widening conflict. He reiterated India’s call to de-escalate the situation and emphasized the protection of civilians.

Modi appreciated BRICS efforts to strengthen multilateralism, advance sustainable development, and push for global governance reform.

Modi and Putin reviewed bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defense, energy, and people-to-people ties. Both the leaders agreed to remain engaged to strengthen further the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience in the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties, which PMO mentioned in its release.

The leaders also exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, particularly in BRICS.

In his social media post on X, PM Modi said that he had a very good meeting with the president of Iran. He said, “We examined the full range of relations between our two countries. We also discussed ways to deepen relations in very advanced and innovative sectors.@drpezeshkian”

جلسه بسیار خوبی با رئیس جمهور ایران، آقای مسعود پزشکیان داشتم. گستره کامل روابط بین دو کشور ما را مورد بررسی قرار دادیم. همچنین درباره راه های تعمیق روابط در بخش های بسیار پیشرفته و نوین گفتگو کردیم.… pic.twitter.com/XE59QKHHDv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2024

During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, PM Modi added that signing the long-term contract for Chabahar Port was an important milestone in bilateral relations. The two leaders reaffirmed its significance for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and redevelopment and for enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.

Before leaving for Kazan, PM, Modi had shared in his statement that India values the close cooperation within BRICS, which has emerged as an essential 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 in 2023 saw the addition of new members, including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Modi said, “It has added to BRICS inclusivity and agenda for the global good.”

Modi said that building upon the annual summit held in Moscow in July of this year, his visit to Kazan would further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

Modi and Pezeshkian agreed to continue cooperating in various multilateral forums, including BRICS and SCO. President Pezeshkian accepted PM Modi’s invitation to visit India at an earlier date.