‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 23) said he supported “dialogue and diplomacy, not war” at the BRICS Summit currently underway in Russia’s Kazan.

PM Modi also urged all member nations to put up a joint front against terrorism and its financing. “We all have to cooperate strongly and unanimously to deal with terrorism and terror financing," he said, addressing global leaders.

In a message aimed at Western audiences, Modi said “BRICS is not a divisive but a public interest group.”

Calling for reforms in global institutions, Modi added, “We should move forward in a timely manner for reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council and WTO (World Trade Organization).”

The Indian PM also flagged concerns regarding challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty and climate change.

Also read: PM Modi, Iran’s Pezeshkian hold bilateral meet on sidelines of BRICS summit in Kazan

“And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like Covid together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations,” he said.

On the expansion of the bloc, the Indian PM said he was ready to welcome new members in BRICS. “In this regard, all decisions should be taken by consensus, and the views of BRICS founding members should be respected,” he said.

Putin welcomes BRICS leaders’ offer for Ukraine mediation

The host and Russian leader Vladimir Putin welcomed offers of mediation by BRICS leaders to help end the conflict in Ukraine, his spokesman said Wednesday.

Also read: BRICS Summit: PM Modi to hold bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday

Many countries "expressed a desire to contribute more actively" to resolving the conflict, state media cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as telling reporters on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

In private talks with other leaders, Putin also highlighted "the very positive dynamics on the front for the Russian armed forces," said the Kremlin spokesperson.

(With inputs from agencies)