India and Brazil are in agreement that all global problems should be resolved through dialogue, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) in Brasilia. Speaking after bilateral-level talks between Indian and Brazilian teams, Mr. Modi described President Lula Da Silva as the “chief architect” of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership and expressed gratitude after he was conferred with the highest state honour of Brazil. The Prime Minister said India-Brazil cooperation was an “important pillar” for the world.

“India and Brazil have always worked in close coordination at the global level. As two large democratic countries, our cooperation is relevant not only for the Global South, but for the entire humanity,” said Mr. Modi highlighting the role of India and Brazil in safeguarding the interest of the Global South.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Brasilia where he arrived on Monday after attending the BRICS summit in Rio De Janeiro.

“Today, when the world is going through a period of tension and uncertainty, my friend [President Lula] explained in great detail. I am not repeating it. This India-Brazil partnership is an important pillar of stability and balance. We are unanimous that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” said Mr. Modi, highlighting terrorism as one such area of cooperation which should have “zero tolerance and zero double standards”.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Brazil after receiving the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from President Lula and thanked him for playing “an important role” in strengthening India-Brazil ties. “In today’s discussions, we talked about strengthening cooperation in every field. We have set a target to take bilateral trade to $20 billion in the coming five years,” said Mr. Modi.

Six pacts signed

The two sides signed six agreements that included renewable energy, cooperation on combating terrorism, intellectual property, agriculture and protection of classified information.

“Our cooperation in the field of energy is constantly growing. Environment and clean energy are the main priorities of both the countries. The agreement that has been made today to increase cooperation in this area will give new direction and momentum to our green goals,” said Mr. Modi, who described cooperation in the field of defence as a sign of “mutual trust”.

“We will continue our efforts to connect our defence industries,” said the Prime Minister, announcing that the two sides were “working together on the adoption of UPI [Unified Payments Interface] in Brazil.” (The Hindu)

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India’s global stature is once again set to shine as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil on July 6-7.

With the world’s major emerging economies gathering under one roof, India’s role within BRICS — the influential bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — is poised to become even more significant, further cementing the nation’s leadership in global economic and geopolitical affairs.

Over the years, India has leveraged BRICS as a platform to advance not just its national interests, but also the broader concerns of the Global South.

From advocating for inclusive economic growth to championing reforms in global governance, India’s contribution to the BRICS agenda has been both consistent and constructive.

As PM Modi embarks on his Brazil visit, expectations are high that India will further elevate its standing within the group and present bold ideas that resonate globally.

A legacy of constructive engagement

Since the inception of BRICS, India has played an instrumental role in shaping its vision and priorities.

With its robust economy, thriving technology sector, and steadfast commitment to democratic values, India has brought balance and dynamism to the grouping.
Prime Minister Modi, who has participated in every BRICS summit since taking office in 2014, has been a strong advocate for deeper cooperation across areas like trade, technology, energy security, and sustainable development.

At past summits, India has championed initiatives to reform global financial institutions, enhance multilateral collaboration, and drive innovation.

The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) reflected BRICS’ collective push for financial stability and infrastructure development, both of which India actively supported.

India’s expanding influence

As the 17th BRICS Summit approaches, India’s influence within the bloc is more prominent than ever.

With the Indian economy now ranking as the world’s third-largest in purchasing power parity terms, and with sustained growth even amid global uncertainties, India has emerged as a driver of economic resilience and innovation.

PM Modi’s leadership has positioned India as a global technology hub, a leader in clean energy transitions, and a key voice on climate action.

These strengths are increasingly reflected within BRICS discussions, where India has advocated for equitable climate finance, technology sharing, and joint research partnerships.

Moreover, India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model — encompassing initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digital India — has drawn global attention.

Within BRICS, India has promoted digital cooperation, offering to share its expertise to bridge the digital divide and empower millions across member nations.

Brazil summit: A platform for deeper cooperation

The forthcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil presents an ideal opportunity for India to advance its vision for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and equitable global governance.

The 2025 summit holds special significance as it comes at a time when the world is navigating multiple transitions — from technological disruptions to shifts in energy markets and global supply chains.

India is expected to emphasise enhanced collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, health security, and food security.

With its ambitious renewable energy targets, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, India has much to offer in joint initiatives on clean energy and climate resilience.

Health cooperation will also be a key focus, building on India’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic in supplying vaccines and essential medicines worldwide.

Strengthening health infrastructure, fostering pharmaceutical partnerships, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare are priorities India will likely champion at the summit.

Bridging Global South aspirations

India’s participation in BRICS has always reflected its broader commitment to representing the interests of developing nations. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has consistently advocated for giving a stronger voice to the Global South within international decision-making platforms.

In this spirit, India has supported BRICS expansion dialogues, encouraging greater participation from emerging economies across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
The recent inclusion of new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran into BRICS signals the bloc’s growing relevance as a voice for developing countries.

India’s constructive engagement ensures that BRICS remains focused on development, peace, and inclusive growth, rather than geopolitical rivalries.

As PM Modi is set to join the leaders in Brazil, India is poised to push for practical solutions to global challenges — from technology access and climate change to trade barriers and development financing.

Strengthening economic and trade partnerships

Trade cooperation remains central to the BRICS’ agenda, and India has been a vocal supporter of boosting intra-BRICS commerce, investment flows, and supply chain integration.

With its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, thriving startups, and strong manufacturing base, India offers immense opportunities for deeper economic partnerships within the group.

India’s success in digital payments, fintech innovation, and e-governance provides models for scalable collaboration across BRICS economies. Initiatives like the BRICS Startup Forum, promoted by India, foster cross-border innovation and create pathways for youth-led economic growth.

Furthermore, India’s commitment to resilient and diversified supply chains aligns with BRICS efforts to reduce vulnerabilities in global trade systems.

PM Modi’s Brazil visit is likely to reinforce calls for greater cooperation in trade facilitation, digital commerce, and infrastructure connectivity.

A vision for global governance reform

India’s advocacy for reforming global governance structures, particularly the United Nations and international financial institutions, has been a consistent theme within BRICS.

With rising multipolarity and evolving global dynamics, India continues to stress the importance of making institutions more representative, transparent, and responsive to the needs of developing nations.

The Brazil summit provides another platform for India to reiterate its call for greater inclusion, fairer financial systems and strengthened multilateralism. India’s emphasis on sovereignty, mutual respect, and peaceful dialogue complements BRICS’ core principles and fosters unity within the group.

Looking ahead

As PM Modi prepares to join the BRICS Summit in Brazil, optimism surrounds India’s growing influence within the bloc.

With its strong economic fundamentals, leadership in innovation, and unwavering commitment to inclusive development, India is well-positioned to shape BRICS’ future direction.

The 17th summit promises to deepen cooperation, enhance shared prosperity, and reaffirm BRICS’ role as a positive force for global stability and progress. For India, it marks yet another milestone in its journey as a global leader, advocating for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world order. (News Bomb)

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced that an additional 10% tariff will be charged to countries “aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS,” without elaborating.

“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social Sunday evening stateside.

Trump’s announcement came as the BRICS bloc of developing countries have gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for a summit.

The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran. The bloc describes itself as “a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent premier Li Qiang to the meeting in his absence, while Russian President Vladimir Putin attended online.

Separately, Donald Trump has said that his administration plans to start sending letters on Monday to US trade partners dictating new tariffs, amid confusion over when the new rates will come into effect.

“It could be 12, maybe 15 [letters],” the president told reporters, “and we’ve made deals also, so we’re going to have a combination of letters and some deals have been made.”

With his previously announced 90-day pause on tariffs set to end on 9 July, the president was asked if the new rates would come into effect this week, or on 1 August, as some officials had suggested.

“No, they’re going to be tariffs, the tariffs, the tariffs are going to be, the tariffs,” the president began, uncertainly, “I think we’ll have most countries done by July 9, yeah. Either a letter or a deal.”

Sensing the confusion, his commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick jumped in to add: “But they go into effect on August 1. Tariffs go into effect August 1, but the president is setting the rates and the deals right now.”

Trump in April had announced a 10% base tariff rate on most countries and additional duties ranging up to 50%, although he later delayed the effective date for all but 10% until 9 July. 

The new date of 1 August offers countries a further three-week reprieve, but also plunges importers into an extended period of uncertainty due to the lack of clarity around the tariffs. (CNBC, Guardian)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a multi-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia in the first week of July, which includes participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and holding bilateral meetings with key global leaders, officials said on Monday.

Addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said, ‘The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place on July 5 and July 6 in Rio, Brazil.’

India is set to take over the BRICS Chairmanship at Brazil Summit next year.

‘The theme of the Rio Summit is ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’… India will be holding the chair of the BRICS next year…’ Secretary Ravi said.

‘Our Prime Minister will arrive on the July 5 evening, but the main programme is on July 5. As you know, the format is very clear – there are full members, which are 10; there are about 12 partner countries; there are 8 invitee countries that are heads of state at the government level; seven heads of regional and multilateral bodies,’ he said.

Prime Minister is travelling to Brazil at the invitation of its President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, This will be Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7.

During the Summit, Prime Minister will exchange views on key global issues including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, economic and financial matters.

Outlining the detailed schedule for the Rio summit, MEA Secretary Ravi said the first agenda item for the programme on July 5 includes reform of global governance, where only the full members will participate. ‘Thereafter there is the second theme on the agenda, which is peace and security — it is in the working lunch format where the leaders will discuss the agenda item, and all of this will be captured in the leaders’ statement, which will be seen as deliverables,’ he said.

The MEA Secretary said, ‘Post-lunch, the third item on the agenda is strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and artificial intelligence. Later that evening will be an official reception, and all the leaders will be participating.’

‘The next day, on the July 6, the fourth item of the agenda is environment, COP 30, and global health. As you are aware, Brazil will also be hosting COP 30 later in the year in November, which is why climate and COP issues become very important.’

On the Summit’s expected outcomes, Secretary Ravi said, ‘The BRICS process is led by the chair, and they set the agenda. But the decisions are on a consensus-based format. We are hopeful that there will be four deliverables, although discussions are still continuing: the leaders’ declaration, the leaders’ statement on global governance and artificial intelligence, the leaders’ framework declaration on climate finance, and BRICS participation for elimination of diseases.’

He said, ‘there will also be, in addition, four reports that will be submitted to the leaders.’

Focusing on the bilateral engagements during the visit of PM Modi, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran said, ‘The BRICS Summit segment of the Prime Minister’s visit will be on July 5-6, and the State visit segment will be on July 8… During the State visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Lula. Bilateral agreements will be signed on renewable energy, agricultural research, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is visiting Argentina on July 4, on an official visit. Both leaders will hold talks on economic and trade interests to further strengthen bilateral relations…’

In addition to attending the BRICS sessions, the Prime Minister will hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit.

For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. (ANI)

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Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Pakir Amza says President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed interest in joining the intergovernmental organization, BRICS, in a letter to the Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

“Sri Lanka expressed its interest in joining the BRICS family in a letter to President Vladimir Putin from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. We have also approached other BRICS countries with a request to join as a partner country and are awaiting their positive response,” Ambassador Pakir Amza told Russian media, RIA Novosti.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sent a letter to Putin in October, the Ambassador specified.

In the same month, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath had also announced that Sri Lanka had decided to apply for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank. According to him, Colombo views this organization as an effective partnership for achieving aspirations of mutually beneficial cooperation, peace, and development through strengthening comprehensive multilateralism within the framework of the UN Charter.

It was also reported in December last year that the Sri Lankan president approached Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting support for the country’s application to join BRICS.

BRICS currently comprises ten countries with a combined population of 3.6 billion people. These nations account for over 40% of the world’s oil production and about a quarter of global goods exports. (Newswire/ RIA Novosti)

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Sri Lanka has renewed its interest in joining BRICS, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveying the country’s aspirations during his three-day state visit to India.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special media briefing on President Dissanayake’s visit said that Sri Lanka’s request however will be considered only when BRICS deliberates new memberships in the future.

“Currently, there are no new members being considered by BRICS in addition to the ones that were already on the list since last year. But as and when there is a consensus within BRICS to start looking at new members, we will certainly take into account the interest expressed by Sri Lanka. This was something communicated to the Prime Minister by President Dissanayake,” Misri said.

BRICS, a forum for cooperation among emerging economies, currently includes nine members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

Earlier this year, Sri Lanka formally applied for BRICS membership, signaling its interest in aligning with the bloc of rapidly developing nations. (Newswire)

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By Shiran Illanperuma

From October 22 to 24, the 16th BRICS summit was held in Kazan, Russia. Alongside the core group members of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, this year saw the formal addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. During the summit, another 13 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, Uganda, Cuba, and Bolivia, became partner members.

This year, Sri Lanka joins a growing list of countries from the Global South that have applied to become members of BRICS. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardena led the Sri Lankan delegation to the Kazan summit. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has written to his BRICS counterparts for support in joining.

The Kazan summit occurs in the context of an increasingly tense global situation, characterised by the ongoing Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza, the NATO-led proxy war in Ukraine, and the US-led new Cold War on China. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech at the summit describes a world descending into ‘the abyss of disorder and chaos’. Referencing the Russian novel What is to be Done? (also the title of a key text by Vladmir Lenin), Xi summarised the spirit of BRICS:

“The more tumultuous our times become, the more we must stand firm at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt. We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform.”

The message is clear. BRICS stands for peaceful development and cooperation, against the political domination and unilateralism that have characterised the US-led post-World War II order.

A world in disorder

Ironically, the acronym BRICS originates from a 2001 report by a Goldman Sachs document that predicted a shift in economic power that would necessitate the G7 to open up to more members from the Global South. However, there is a case to be made for BRICS being the product of a much longer historical cycle of revolutions and national liberation struggles against Western imperialism.

A line can be drawn from the awakening of Russia and China in the early 20th century to the Arab revolt, the Indian independence movement, the wave of African liberation struggles, and the Non-Aligned Movement to the present multipolar zeitgeist. BRICS is merely the latest manifestation of this long arc of history.

Nonetheless, the organisation remains rife with contradictions. India remains a member of the QUAD and a key node of the US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy. Post-Apartheid South Africa has been completely immobilised by neoliberalism. Brazil has blocked Venezuela’s application to join the group.

The UAE is deeply embedded in the US financial and military architecture, being the first Arab country to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. China and Russia remain the militant core of the group and the countries with the most resources and will to power to reshape the global order.

Yet there are objective economic and geopolitical factors that force countries with diverse and sometimes contradictory political projects to converge on a common platform for cooperation. The US has increasingly isolated itself through protectionism, the prosecution of destabilizing hybrid wars, the weaponisation of its control over the global financial system, and its monopoly on printing the world reserve currency.

Meanwhile, the global majority still grapples with the scourge of war, poverty, and underdevelopment. It is this global majority’s demand for peace, productivity-enhancing technology, and financing for investment, that is the material basis for BRICS.

BRICS and the future of Sri Lankan industrialisation

Sri Lanka could very well be a poster child for the disorder and chaos of the international order. In many ways, the country’s internal instabilities are conditioned by external factors. First, imported commodity price inflation following the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia hit a country already battered by COVID-19 and the collapse of tourism and remittances.

As Israel, with the support of the West, threatens to trigger a regional conflict in West Asia, a prolonged period of commodity price inflation would be just as devastating for the Sri Lankan economy.

Second, Sri Lanka’s external debt default and restructuring process highlight the rigged nature of the global financial architecture and the Bretton Woods Institutions. The lack of a global system for recycling surpluses and providing concessional finance for productive infrastructure and industry is strongly felt by countries like Sri Lanka.

Deflationary policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank have been antithetical to industrialisation and economic growth. Since its first report on the country, the World Bank has sought to divert the attention of local policymakers away from large-scale industry and towards various cul-de-sacs, including peasant colonisation, services, and micro-entrepreneurship. As if any country has been able to develop along these lines.

By contrast, the fledgling New Development Bank creates new possibilities for development financing, including in currencies other than the dollar. The core members of BRICS, including Russia and China, know full well that sovereignty can only be built on a foundation of large-scale industry. Through BRICS, there is an opportunity to combine new financing mechanisms and growing technical expertise from the Global South to jumpstart start industrialisation in Sri Lanka.

BRICS contains a number of industrial initiatives that Sri Lanka could stand to benefit from, including the BRICS Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) which was introduced in 2018. The Kazan declaration suggests that the PartNIR Advisory Group has created working groups on sectors such as chemicals, mining and metals, and pharmaceuticals. These are all the value-added industries that Sri Lanka should be looking at in a drive towards industrialisation in the 21st century.

Finally, President Xi’s speech in Kazan highlighted China’s willingness to expand collaboration with BRICS member states on green industrial chains. China currently dominates the green energy sector, including in the processing of rare earth minerals and the manufacture of batteries and photovoltaic panels. As a member of BRICS, Sri Lanka could leverage Chinese expertise in this sector to enhance the value addition of domestic resources such as graphene and join the green energy industrial chain.

BRICS is still very much work in progress. Its outcome is not written in stone. In the spirit of Bandung, Sri Lanka should be playing an active role in shaping the outcome of BRICS and taking its rightful place in world history.

See also: Factum Perspective: Are China and Russia Imperialist?

Shiran Illanperuma is a researcher at Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He holds an MSc in Economic Policy from SOAS University of London.

Factum is an Asia-Pacific-focused think tank on International Relations, Tech Cooperation, and Strategic Communications accessible via www.factum.lk.

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.

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India will champion the cause of the Global South cooperation through emphasis on cooperation among emerging economies, promoting development and economic growth through partnerships and knowledge sharing

It is at a crucial juncture in international geopolitics that the next BRICS meeting is being held in Kazan, Russia, on October 22–23, 2024. It comes on the back of a comparatively low-key Shanghai Cooperation Oragnisation summit at Islamabad earlier this month, which was neither attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor by President Xi Jinping or by President Vladimir Putin.

With two raging conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the latter always in a threatening mode of expansion, uncertainty in the US leadership, both Russia and China reluctant to play their roles in the Middle East, and an international economic situation of some concern, things aren’t obviously looking up.

Rising oil prices due to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine continue to weigh on economic activity. Trade restrictions on Chinese exports could push up goods inflation, exacerbating trade tensions in an already fraught geopolitical environment.

It’s good to see that PM Narendra Modi will be there in person to get an optimum understanding of the international environment in all fields across the board. His attendance at BRICS summits has been regular because these have a certain undeniable significance in the social, economic, and geopolitical domains. The grouping represents a powerful set of emerging economies that can shape global governance.

With the addition of new members like Argentina, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, BRICS now accounts for 28.3 per cent of the world’s land area and 44.6 per cent of the global population. India seeks to strengthen trade and investment ties with other BRICS nations. The grouping’s combined GDP in nominal dollar terms stands at $29.06 trillion, accounting for 27.4 per cent of global GDP. India can benefit from increased economic collaboration, particularly in areas like energy, technology, and infrastructure development. In the multilateral engagement, India will get to diversify its trade relationships, access new markets and technologies, strengthen its position as a leading emerging economy, and simultaneously seek to enhance its global influence.

The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS nations, has approved 53 projects worth about $15 billion, with India being a major beneficiary. This investment focuses on infrastructure development, renewable energy, and urban development, driving economic growth and job creation. The NDB has approved 17 projects in India, totalling over $4.7 billion, focusing on renewable energy (solar and wind power), transportation (road and rail), water and sanitation, and urban development. India played a key role in establishing the NDB and has benefitted considerably.

On the social front, BRICS has facilitated collaboration in education, healthcare, and cultural exchange. The grouping has initiated programs like the BRICS Network University, promoting student and faculty exchanges, and joint research projects. From a geopolitical angle, the generic benefits of BRICS that have travelled to Indian interests are related to the promotion of South-South cooperation, the provision of a platform for India to address pressing issues like terrorism, climate change, and sustainable development, and enhancing India’s global influence since BRICS membership amplifies India’s voice in other international forums. The summit and several engagement opportunities prior to it ensure that a choice remains for multilateral exchange of views on diverse subjects, especially in the current highly uncertain parameters guiding the world’s destiny.

Yet, it’s the geopolitical domain that takes away the focus and remains the flagship area of discussion. Building on the momentum from India’s G20 presidency in 2023, PM Modi will focus on enhancing BRICS cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and energy, which are all crucial for India’s development agenda for Viksit Bharat 2047. Since no bilateral issues will be addressed in the main agenda, discussions will centre around reforming international financial institutions, promoting sustainable development, and addressing economic inequality. India will champion the cause of the Global South cooperation through emphasis on cooperation among emerging economies, promoting development and economic growth through partnerships and knowledge sharing.

PM Modi will also be attending the G20 Summit in the Brazilian capital city of Rio de Janeiro on November 18–19, 2024. The theme of the 2024 summit is ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’. He will probably therefore be discussing several key areas of convergence between the two summits. Among these will be the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030, ensuring adequate funding, and restructuring global economic institutions.

On trade, it will be strengthening the rule-based global trading system, completing the Doha Development Agenda, and promoting greater mobility of skilled professionals. Climate change will also form a part of the agendas with facilitation of climate finance, technology transfer to developing countries, and enhancing research on clean energy. These areas of convergence reflect the shared interests and goals of the G20 and BRICS nations, aiming to promote global economic growth, stability, and cooperation.

All eyes will, however, be on the bilaterals on the sidelines of the summit. Prime Minister Modi is a key attraction at many such events and would probably engage with his host President Putin in a one-on-one. Being his second visit to Russia this year after the India-Russia Annual Summit and his continuing good rapport with the Russian President, the world has come to expect the Indian PM to give sage advice to his Russian counterpart as regards the necessity to discontinue the Ukraine war. Although this will not be a priority on the Indian agenda, the Prime Minister could lay the seeds of something positive on this front. The Indian energy security and continuation of the defence relationship will definitely form part of the agenda.

There is yet no indication of a possibility of a Modi-Xi meeting on the sidelines. If it does happen, it would probably take away much of the sheen of the rest of the conference, at least for Indian news media channels. If PM Modi and President Xi Jinping meet in a bilateral at the BRICS summit, several key issues could be on the table. Trade and Economic Cooperation will be a significant agenda item.

With India’s growing trade deficit with China, PM Modi may push for increased Chinese investment in India, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and technology. Border disputes are a major point of contention, as tensions between India and China remain along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It would be possible that the two leaders could deliver a surprise by seeking to ease tensions and find common ground on border management.

China is aware that there is a segment of thinking in India that is against pushing the Indo-US agenda too hard and simultaneously does not wish to pursue an animosity agenda against China. In recent months, China has made some moves to communicate its willingness to pursue a relationship of greater cooperation with India, leading to better stability. These are early times to speculate because the desired meetings may never happen at all. We can only hope they do. (First Post)

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Sri Lanka is actively seeking membership in the BRICS economic bloc, with a formal request for support made to India, according to Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath.

The request was conveyed during a meeting with India’s Foreign Minister during his official visit to Sri Lanka last week, the minister confirmed at a recent press briefing. The move marks Sri Lanka’s continued efforts to strengthen its position within the global economic landscape.

Minister Herath also revealed that Sri Lanka has been invited to participate in the upcoming BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place from October 22-24, 2024. The invitation was extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Russia holding the BRICS chairmanship for 2024.

However, due to the ongoing election period, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will not be attending the summit, the minister clarified, adding that Sri Lanka’s participation in the summit is crucial, but the specifics of the representation are yet to be finalized.

BRICS, an association of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established to challenge the economic dominance of wealthier nations in North America and Western Europe. The bloc has recently expanded to include new members – Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The invitation to Sri Lanka to attend the summit follows the former Wickremesinghe administration’s recommendation to apply for BRICS membership, while the membership application remains pending. (Newswire)

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Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has called on the Global South to collectively address global challenges of climate change, debt burden and food security.

The Foreign Minister made these remarks addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting with developing countries held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

Minister Sabry undertook an official visit to Russia at the invitation of his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from 10-11 June 2024 to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

The meeting was attended by high level representatives of 22 countries including 17 Foreign Ministers.

Delivering his statement, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister stated that Global South should collectively address global challenges, stressing that the architecture of global governance, established in the aftermath of World War II has achieved significant milestones.

“However, that it was increasingly evident that this structure must evolve to reflect the contemporary realities of our world”, he said.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that voices and interests of emerging economies and developing nations must be integrated more fully into the decision-making processes of international institutions.

He also emphasized the need for a rules-based global order that ensures fairness, justice, and respect for sovereignty for all nations.

Foreign Minister Sabry stressed the role of regional organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in promoting cooperation, sustainable development, and security.

He made special note of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for global justice for its citizens.

During his visit, Minister Sabry met with foreign ministers from Russia, Belarus, Iran, and Kazakhstan to discuss enhancing bilateral relations.

Discussions included Russia’s support for Sri Lanka’s IORA chairmanship, implementing agreements with Iran, establishing a Sri Lankan mission in Kazakhstan, and advancing trade and economic cooperation with Belarus.

Diplomatic staff from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow attended these meetings.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow Ambassador P M Amza,  Director General Economic Affairs (Multilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs K K Yoganaadan and, Counsellor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow Ruvini Munidasa associated with the Minister  during these meetings. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry expressed his country’s keenness to join the BRICS grouping on Monday and conveyed that the group has become a ‘good body’ after India became part of it. 

He emphasized that Sri Lanka would reach out first to India whenever it formally applies to join the BRICS grouping.

“We will look forward for BRICS. Also, I think the cabinet had appointed a sub-committee to look into that and recommend to us. We would like to see that because we would like to have multiple options. Who doesn’t want to? So therefore BRICS is a good body, particularly since India is a part of it,” Mr Sabry said in an interview with ANI.

“The first country we would be talking to is India and seek India’s support for us to reach to the BRICS. And then of course I have been invited to take part on the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Russia. So I hope that I will be there and then we will assess that. And yes, I think that right now personally if you ask me, I think that we should look at BRICS seriously,” he added.

On January 1, 2024, Russia took over the chairmanship of BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plus four new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS as new full members, which is a strong indication of the growing authority of the association and its role in international affairs.

When asked if Sri Lanka is looking to host any high-level visit from India, the Sri Lankan Minister said that his president visited India recently and now they are looking to host the Indian Prime Minister and a high-level delegation in the country.

“We are looking forward to the visit to the Indian prime Minister as soon as possible when the circumstances conduce you for such a visit because my president already visited last year. So this is the turn for the Indian prime minister to visit Sri Lanka,” he said.

“We would hope for a high-level delegation with a very powerful business delegation accompanying the honourable Prime Minister and visiting Sri Lanka in near future, that will further strengthen our relationship, which is at an all-time high,” he added.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India on an official visit on July 21, 2023. This was President Wickremesinghe’s first visit to India since assuming the current responsibilities.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe met President Droupadi Murmu and held discussions with the Prime Minister and other Indian dignitaries on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Sri Lanka is an important partner in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. The visit reinforced the longstanding friendship between the two countries and explored avenues for enhanced connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors. (ANI)

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