‘Discussions here will contribute to a better planet’: PM Narendra Modi lands in Russia’s Kazan for BRICS Summit, to meet Vladimir Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Oct 22 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.

The summit runs from Oct 22 to 24 under Russia’s chairmanship.

Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day.

The summit is expected to cover a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation, climate change, and digital inclusion.

"Landed in Kazan for the Brics Summit. This is an important summit, and the discussions here will contribute to a better planet," Modi posted on X.

The External Affairs Ministry in a statement on Oct 22 said the Prime Minister was received at the Kazan airport by Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan.

During the summit, Modi is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, and hold bilateral talks with leaders from the other Brics member nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

In a statement before departing for Russia, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to close cooperation within Brics, calling the platform a valuable forum for dialogue.

He highlighted the significance of Brics expansion last year, which welcomed new members, broadening its inclusivity and adding to its agenda for global progress.

“I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects,” Modi said.

"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," he added.

This marks his second visit to Russia this year, following his participation in the India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow in July.
The summit comes in the wake of ongoing global unrest, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis.

During a recent interview with a national TV channel, India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, emphasized the nation's role as a strong advocate for peace and conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

“The issue has been discussed and spoken about. India has consistently held the view that the concerned parties need to engage and find resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," he said.

Last month, Putin acknowledged Modi as a "friend" and expressed gratitude for India's support in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Putin also extended an invitation to Modi to attend the Brics Summit.

Putin's acknowledgment came two months after Modi called him and urged an early resolution to the two-year war. Modi also met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in August this year.