- BRICS Leaders to Hold Closed-Door Session on Global and Regional Challenges
NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing his working visit to India, where he arrived to participate in the BRICS summit, as leaders of member countries prepare for a full day of high-level discussions on the grouping’s future, global governance and international cooperation.
Saturday will constitute the main working day of the summit, with the programme of multilateral engagements beginning after President Putin’s participation in the BRICS Business Forum plenary session on Friday.
BRICS leaders are scheduled to convene for a closed-door session restricted to heads of state and government representing the member countries at the highest level.
Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said the discussions are expected to focus on major global and regional developments, reform of the international governance system and efforts to strengthen multilateralism.
The leaders will also review the achievements of BRICS over the past two decades and discuss new avenues for expanding cooperation among member states.
Final Declaration Expected to Reflect Common BRICS Position
A final declaration could be adopted at the conclusion of the summit, although its adoption is not considered a mandatory requirement.
Negotiations are nevertheless continuing on a document aimed at reflecting the common positions of BRICS members on a broad range of issues, particularly in the areas of international security, economic cooperation and cultural relations.
The outcome is expected to underscore the grouping’s continued emphasis on dialogue, multilateral cooperation and coordination among emerging economies.
Banyan Tree Ceremony to Symbolise BRICS Unity and Partnership
A symbolic banyan tree-planting ceremony in New Delhi is also scheduled as part of the summit programme.
The long-lived and deeply rooted banyan tree is expected to represent the principles of interconnectedness, unity and sustainable cooperation among BRICS members. Leaders attending the summit will participate in the ceremony.
Following the symbolic planting, the leaders will visit an exhibition highlighting BRICS achievements over the past 20 years.
India, as the host country, will also present its vision for the future through the “Innovative India” exhibition, showcasing the country’s technological, economic and developmental achievements.
Summit to Conclude with Reception Hosted by Prime Minister Modi
The BRICS programme will conclude in the evening with a formal reception hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Centre.
The reception is expected to provide an opportunity for participating leaders to reaffirm the spirit of friendship, solidarity and mutual support that has developed within the BRICS framework.
Putin to Hold Key Bilateral Meetings on Summit Sidelines
Alongside the intensive BRICS programme, President Putin is scheduled to hold a number of bilateral meetings, continuing a series of high-level engagements that began on the previous day with five separate meetings.
On Saturday, Putin is expected to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, additional informal interactions among leaders may also take place on the sidelines of the summit, including brief exchanges between meetings and while moving through the conference venue.
The bilateral engagements are expected to complement the broader BRICS discussions, providing leaders with an opportunity to address issues of mutual interest and explore prospects for strengthening political, economic and strategic cooperation.
BY: The Times Union – TASS
