Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, 22 August to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, which will see extensive participation from global leaders and the in-person nature of the summit. Modi is also slated to visit Greece on 25 August for an official visit, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years.
Upon his arrival, the Indian PM was greeted by Deputy PM Paul Mashatile and subsequently, members of the Indian diaspora who chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Matram'. A ceremonial welcome was extended to him by dancers who presented a traditional dance performance.
The South African dancers presented a traditional dance performance to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the reception, PM Modi met with members of the Indian diaspora who chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Matram' enthusiastically.
He is now set to address the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue.
The BRICS grouping consists of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also arrived in Johannesburg.
Key Points of Modi's Business Forum Address
"Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, India will be a 5 trillion dollar economy."
"In 2009, when the first BRICS summit was held, the world was coming out of a big economic crisis. At that time, BRICS had emerged as a ray of hope for the world economy."
"Investor confidence has increased after the implementation of GST and Insolvency and Bankruptcy code in India. Defence and Space sectors opened for the private sector."
"With the use of technology, we have taken a leap in financial inclusion...Today, UPI is being used by street vendors to those shopping malls."
"We are actively taking steps to make India a manufacturing hub in the areas of solar energy, wind energy, electric vehicles and green hydrogen."
"India will be the growth engine of the world. It's because India turned calamity and tough times into economic reforms. In the last few years, the ease of doing business in India has improved due to the work done in the mission mode."
"We have focused on public service delivery and good governance...Today in India UPI is used at all levels."
"Today among all countries in the world, India is the country with the highest digital transaction."
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In a departure statement, PM Modi said:
"BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system. This Summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development."
"I also look forward to holding bilateral meetings with some of the Leaders present in Johannesburg," he added.
The BRICS grouping consists of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also arrived in Johannesburg.
The Agenda
Following his arrival around 5:15 pm IST on 22 August, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, and the BRICS leaders retreat which will see close-door meetings with a focus on global developments of concern and the role BRICS can play in addressing these developments and challenges.
While in Johannesburg, Modi will join multiple foreign leaders, including those of Brazil, China, and South Africa.
Modi is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with "certain leaders present in Johannesburg," according to the MEA's announcement, which refrained from providing specific information. Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that the PM’s schedule for bilateral meetings are still being developed and a more comprehensive schedule will follow.
Over and above discussions around matters of economic cooperation and food security, and the expansion of BRICS membership, the PM is also likely to discuss security interests, terrorism and furthering cooperation, The Quint has learnt. Drawing from previous multilateral summits, the PM is also expected to reiterate the need to end the war in Ukraine and move forward using dialogue and diplomacy.
The first day will also see a leaders retreat where Modi will come alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since their quick talk on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali last year.
While an official bilateral dialogue has not been suggested by either party, the possibility remains open and Foreign Secretary Kwatra did not rule out it out.
Prime Minister Modi last visited South Africa in July 2018 for the 10th BRICS summit and previously visited in July 2016 for a bilateral visit.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramphosa visited India in January 2019 and was the chief guest during the 70th Republic Day Parade. The pair had previously met in June 2022, during the G7 outreach in Germany and spoke a few weeks ago, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said during a press conference.
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