Will PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in South Africa at the BRICS summit? What the MEA Says
The 15th BRICS Summit will be held in South Africa, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go on Tuesday. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) leaders are set to attend the first BRICS conference in person since 2019.
On Monday, Vinay Kwatra, the foreign secretary, spoke at a news conference on PM Modi’s visit. The Foreign Secretary said that the Prime Minister’s itinerary is still being created when asked whether there is a likelihood that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may meet on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa.
“In addition to the BRICS members, the host nation South Africa has invited a sizable number of guest nations. The PM’s agenda for bilateral talks with the leaders who will be in South Africa is still being created, the official added.
Following the conflict in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian troops, ties between India and China have suffered. PM Modi and Xi Jinping exchanged courtesies and discussed the need to stabilize bilateral ties at the Bali G20 Summit last year. After their fight in the Galwan Valley, these two commanders finally met.
From August 22 to August 24, the summit will take place. On the invitation of President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister Modi will attend the 15th BRICS Summit during his three-day visit to Johannesburg.
Along with PM Modi, a business group will visit South Africa. They will go to meetings of the BRICS Business Council, BRICS Women Business Alliance, and BRICS Business Forum in addition to the BRICS Business Track events.
Prior to Prime Minister Modi’s departure, the foreign affairs ministry said at a special briefing on Monday that India has constructive intentions and an open mind about the extension of the BRICS. Many countries are very interested in joining the BRICS. When it comes to BRICS growth, we are transparent, have a good intention, and an open mind. Sherpas from the BRICS countries are now talking about growth and trying to come to an agreement, according to foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra.
