PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia from October 22-23 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, which will be held in Kazan.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the summit is being organised under Russia's chairmanship. During his time in Kazan, PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with other BRICS leaders and invited officials.

Ahead of the visit, the MEA conducted a special briefing. Here's what could be expected from PM Modi's Russia visit:

Focus of PM Modi’s visit

The primary aim of PM Modi's visit is to attend the BRICS Summit. The theme of the summit this year is 'Strengthening Multilateralism'. The BRICS platform is seen as an important platform to address various global issues as well as to help create a more equitable and inclusive international order.

The MEA said in a statement on Friday (Oct 18), "The Summit, themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,' will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues."

Day-wise schedule of PM Modi's visit

October 22 - This day will include a formal welcome and a dinner exclusively for the leaders attending the summit.

Also read: India and China reach agreement on patrolling along LAC

October 23 (Main Summit Day) - The key events will take place on the second day. A closed plenary session will be held in the morning, followed by an open plenary in the afternoon. The discussions will revolve around the central theme of the summit, and the leaders are expected to adopt the "Kazan Declaration," which is currently being finalized in negotiations.

PM Modi is scheduled to return to India on the evening of October 23.

Will there be bilateral talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping?

Regarding the possibility of a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the MEA said that diplomatic and military-level talks have been ongoing for several weeks. "I can share with you that over the last several weeks, diplomatic and military negotiations are going on - agreement has arrived on patrolling, leading to disengagement," an MEA spokesperson said.

"As far as the question on the bilateral meeting - It's a multilateral event- though there is the provision of course for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines. We are currently looking into the overall programme of the PM - there are a number of requests for bilateral meetings and we will update you on bilateral as they evolve as soon as feasible," the statement added.

Addressing the issue of Indians in Russian forces, the MEA said, "We have been in close touch with Russia on issues of Indians who are illegally or otherwise contracted in fighting - this matter has been taken up at the highest level - 85 peoples have returned, 20 people still remain."

(With inputs from agencies)