The BRICS bloc invited United Arab Emirates, Iran and Saudi Arabia to join their alliance now these nations are keen to strengthen ties with China and the global south.

A new chapter of global power play as Iran, Saudi & UAE mull BRICS membership

In response to a claim made by the spokesperson for China's foreign ministry that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India had requested that President Xi Jinping of that nation speak with him, Indian official sources have clarified that it was China that had made the request.

India on PM Modi-Xi Jinping meeting: 'There was a request from Chinese side' | BRICS 2023

India: There was a pending request from China for bilateral meet

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of the BRICS summit where both leaders agreed on “expeditious de-escalation" in the eastern Ladakh region, informed Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra while briefing&nbsp;reporters on Thursday (Aug 24).</p>

<p>“It was a conversation with President Xi Jinping and, as I said, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister (Modi) had interactions with other BRICS leaders (as well). In that conversation with President Xi Jinping, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns at the unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China border areas,” Kwatra said.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Line of Actual Control&nbsp;has been disputed by India and China since the 1950s. They went to war over it in 1962.</p>

<p>PM Modi told Xi that “maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas and respecting LAC” are essential for the normalisation of India-China ties, the Indian official said.</p>

<p>“Modi and Xi agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement, de-escalation,” Kwatra said.</p>

<p>The Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in over three-year stand-off in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides have initiated extensive diplomatic and military talks to disengage their troops.</p>

<h2><strong>India and Chinese troops talks</strong></h2>

<p>So far, 19 rounds of talks have taken place at the commander's level, with the latest one focussing on the resolution of issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.</p>

<p>Before this, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of a meeting of the five-nation grouping BRICS in Johannesburg on July 24.</p>

<p>The Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that Doval conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had "eroded strategic trust" and the public and political basis of the relationship.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-officials-expands-as-ramaphosa-announces-six-new-members-628689">BRICS officially expands: Six new members to join bloc next year</a></p>

<p>It said the NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral ties.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-brics-summit-un-chief-calls-for-reform-of-unsc-bretton-woods-institutions-628825">At BRICS summit, UN chief calls for reform of UNSC, Bretton Woods institutions</a></p>

<p>India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.</p>

<p>The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area.</p>

<p>The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of the BRICS summit where both leaders agreed on “expeditious de-escalation" in the eastern Ladakh region, informed Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra while briefing reporters on Thursday (Aug 24).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of the BRICS summit where both leaders agreed on “expeditious de-escalation" in the eastern Ladakh region, informed Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra while briefing reporters on Thursday (Aug 24). “It was a conversation with President Xi Jinping and, as I said, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister (Modi) had interactions with other BRICS leaders (as well). In that conversation with President Xi Jinping, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns at the unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China border areas,” Kwatra said. The Line of Actual Control has been disputed by India and China since the 1950s. They went to war over it in 1962. PM Modi told Xi that “maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas and respecting LAC” are essential for the normalisation of India-China ties, the Indian official said. “Modi and Xi agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement, de-escalation,” Kwatra said. The Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in over three-year stand-off in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides have initiated extensive diplomatic and military talks to disengage their troops. India and Chinese troops talks So far, 19 rounds of talks have taken place at the commander's level, with the latest one focussing on the resolution of issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok. Before this, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of a meeting of the five-nation grouping BRICS in Johannesburg on July 24. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that Doval conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had "eroded strategic trust" and the public and political basis of the relationship. Also read | BRICS officially expands: Six new members to join bloc next year It said the NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral ties. Also read | At BRICS summit, UN chief calls for reform of UNSC, Bretton Woods institutions India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi raised border issue with China’s Xi on sidelines of BRICS

<p>The South African Deputy President's Spokesperson, Vukani Mde, has vehemently dismissed a story published in the South African newspaper Daily Maverick concerning&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.</p>

<p>Labeling the report as "fabricated", Mde categorically denied the claims that PM Modi was snubbed upon his arrival and went on to call the newspaper's narrative a "mystery" due to its seemingly baseless nature.</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION, Mde refuted every element of the Daily Maverick's account, insisting that "none of it was true."</p>

<p>According to the newspaper's story, PM Modi had purportedly refused to disembark from his aircraft at Waterkloof Air Force Base, a purported action attributed to the South African government's decision to send only a cabinet minister for his official welcome.</p>

<p>Mde, while stating the factual position, gave details regarding welcome planned for PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> landed in Johannesburg, South Africa a short while ago.<br />
<br />
He was warmly received by Deputy President <a href="https://twitter.com/PMashatile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMashatile</a>. <a href="https://t.co/rOciyXVpxW">pic.twitter.com/rOciyXVpxW</a></p>
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<p>In an official statement, the Deputy President's spokesperson provided a detailed timeline of PM Modi's arrival, negating the idea of any snub.</p>

<p>Mde clarified that Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile was fully aware of PM Modi's visit well ahead of time and was present at Waterkloof before the Indian Prime Minister's aircraft even touched down.</p>

<p>Mde backed up his statement by revealing that PM Modi's plane had communicated its imminent landing 30 minutes prior, giving ample time for Deputy President Mashatile to be in position.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BRICS Summit 2023: BRICS leaders exchange ideas on expanding membership at summit | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>The statement further addressed the allegation that Deputy President Mashatile's visit to Waterkloof was a last-minute effort to placate PM Modi's dissatisfaction.</p>

<p>Mde firmly denied this claim, asserting that Mashatile's schedule had been carefully managed, allowing him to receive PM Modi without any abrupt rearrangements. This aimed to debunk the notion that his presence was an attempt to "appease" anyone.</p>

<p>The spokesperson's condemnation of the Daily Maverick's report was unequivocal. Mde expressed his bewilderment at the newspaper's motives for "propagating such fabrications."</p>

<p>He lamented the attempt to "mislead" the public and condemned the actions in the "strongest possible terms."</p>

<p>The disputed Daily Maverick article had alleged that President Cyril Ramaphosa had dispatched Deputy President Mashatile from the ongoing Union Buildings formalities, being held for another visiting leader, to hastily welcome PM Modi.</p>

<p>However, Mde clarified that the Deputy President's presence at Waterkloof was not a result of a sudden dispatch but rather a well-coordinated effort after his commitments at the Union Buildings had concluded.</p>

<p>As the BRICS summit continues, the South African government's swift denial underscores the strength of diplomatic relations between the nations involved.</p>

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The South African Deputy President's Spokesperson, Vukani Mde, has vehemently dismissed a story published in the South African newspaper Daily Maverick concerning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

The South African Deputy President's Spokesperson, Vukani Mde, has vehemently dismissed a story published in the South African newspaper Daily Maverick concerning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Labeling the report as "fabricated", Mde categorically denied the claims that PM Modi was snubbed upon his arrival and went on to call the newspaper's narrative a "mystery" due to its seemingly baseless nature. Speaking exclusively to WION, Mde refuted every element of the Daily Maverick's account, insisting that "none of it was true." According to the newspaper's story, PM Modi had purportedly refused to disembark from his aircraft at Waterkloof Air Force Base, a purported action attributed to the South African government's decision to send only a cabinet minister for his official welcome. Mde, while stating the factual position, gave details regarding welcome planned for PM Modi. PM @narendramodi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa a short while ago. He was warmly received by Deputy President @PMashatile. pic.twitter.com/rOciyXVpxW — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 22, 2023 × In an official statement, the Deputy President's spokesperson provided a detailed timeline of PM Modi's arrival, negating the idea of any snub. Mde clarified that Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile was fully aware of PM Modi's visit well ahead of time and was present at Waterkloof before the Indian Prime Minister's aircraft even touched down. Mde backed up his statement by revealing that PM Modi's plane had communicated its imminent landing 30 minutes prior, giving ample time for Deputy President Mashatile to be in position. Also watch | BRICS Summit 2023: BRICS leaders exchange ideas on expanding membership at summit | World News | WION × The statement further addressed the allegation that Deputy President Mashatile's visit to Waterkloof was a last-minute effort to placate PM Modi's dissatisfaction. Mde firmly denied this claim, asserting that Mashatile's schedule had been carefully managed, allowing him to receive PM Modi without any abrupt rearrangements. This aimed to debunk the notion that his presence was an attempt to "appease" anyone. The spokesperson's condemnation of the Daily Maverick's report was unequivocal. Mde expressed his bewilderment at the newspaper's motives for "propagating such fabrications." He lamented the attempt to "mislead" the public and condemned the actions in the "strongest possible terms." The disputed Daily Maverick article had alleged that President Cyril Ramaphosa had dispatched Deputy President Mashatile from the ongoing Union Buildings formalities, being held for another visiting leader, to hastily welcome PM Modi. However, Mde clarified that the Deputy President's presence at Waterkloof was not a result of a sudden dispatch but rather a well-coordinated effort after his commitments at the Union Buildings had concluded. As the BRICS summit continues, the South African government's swift denial underscores the strength of diplomatic relations between the nations involved. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South African govt refutes media report of snub to PM Narendra Modi amid BRICS summit

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the reforms made in India in the past few years and hailed the 'ease of doing business' for investors in the world's fifth-largest economy.</p>

<p>"We have replaced red tape with red carpet for investors," said Modi, in a business forum meet of the BRICS meeting on Tuesday (Aug 22) that had the physical presence of the heads of nations of Brazil, India and South Africa while Russian President Vladimir Putin was present virtually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was not present in the forum for unspecified reasons.</p>

<p>Modi also pitched India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to the BRICS nations and hailed the way the instant digital payment service is available for use across India, "from street vendors to the shopping mall".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said India has the highest number of digital transactions in the world, making the country attractive for countries like UAE, Singapore, and France to join this platform.</p>

<p>He said, "India has made a significant leap in financial inclusion with rural women benefitting the most."<br />
<br />
PM Modi said that India is playing a "transformative" role in boosting the global economy with a remarkable leap in the ease of doing business.</p>

<p>"India's success is accredited to the nation's ability to transform adversity into an economic reform opportunity, with an emphasis on reducing compliance burdens and facilitating the ease of doing business," he said.</p>

<p>Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "Over the last few years we have made immense strides in IT, semiconductors and other such futuristic sectors. Our economic vision also places immense importance on the empowerment of women."</p>

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the reforms made in India in the past few years and hailed the 'ease of doing business' for investors in the world's fifth-largest economy.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the reforms made in India in the past few years and hailed the 'ease of doing business' for investors in the world's fifth-largest economy. "We have replaced red tape with red carpet for investors," said Modi, in a business forum meet of the BRICS meeting on Tuesday (Aug 22) that had the physical presence of the heads of nations of Brazil, India and South Africa while Russian President Vladimir Putin was present virtually. Interestingly, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was not present in the forum for unspecified reasons. Modi also pitched India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to the BRICS nations and hailed the way the instant digital payment service is available for use across India, "from street vendors to the shopping mall". He said India has the highest number of digital transactions in the world, making the country attractive for countries like UAE, Singapore, and France to join this platform. He said, "India has made a significant leap in financial inclusion with rural women benefitting the most." PM Modi said that India is playing a "transformative" role in boosting the global economy with a remarkable leap in the ease of doing business. "India's success is accredited to the nation's ability to transform adversity into an economic reform opportunity, with an emphasis on reducing compliance burdens and facilitating the ease of doing business," he said. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi wrote, "Over the last few years we have made immense strides in IT, semiconductors and other such futuristic sectors. Our economic vision also places immense importance on the empowerment of women." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Modi aims at expansion of India's UPI to BRICS nations at business forum meet

<p>In his opening remarks at a business forum ahead of the BRICS summit being held in South Africa’s Johannesburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the bloc was on the course to meet the aspirations of most of the world community.</p>

<p>In a virtual address delivered on Tuesday (August 22), Putin told the forum, “We cooperate on the principles of equality, partnership support, respect for each other’s interests, and this is the essence of the future-oriented strategic course of our association, a course that meets the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called global majority."</p>

<p>It must be noted that Putin is not attending the summit in-person as he is sought by the West-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations that he deported Ukrainian children.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin attacks US dollar, yet again</strong></h2>

<p>In his address, Putin said the US dollar was losing its global role in an “objective and irreversible” process.</p>

<p>De-dollarisation is “gaining momentum” he said, adding that members of the group of major emerging economies are seeking to reduce their reliance on the greenback in mutual transactions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin on BRICS vs G7</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian leader said the five nations – Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa – are becoming the new world economic leaders, and that their cumulative share of global GDP has reached 26 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BRICS summit in Johannesburg: Meet between PM Modi and Xi on cards</strong></p>

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<p>He added that if measured by purchasing power parity, BRICS has already surpassed the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations – accounting for 31 per cent of the global economy, compared to 30% for the G7.</p>

<h2><strong>Brazilian leader Lula supports the Common Currency programme</strong></h2>

<p>In his remarks at the business forum, Brazilian President Lula da Silva said he supported the BRICS common currency programme that does not aim to replace the national currency regime.</p>

<p>“I support a common trading currency for BRICS countries that will not replace our national currencies,” he said.</p>

<p><br />
“The New Development Bank already represents a milestone in effective collaboration among emerging economies and is expected to be the global leader in financing projects that address the most pressing challenges of our time,” he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2023-pm-modi-departs-for-south-africa-xi-reaches-johannesburg-627730"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;BRICS Summit 2023: In last 10 years, BRICS played vital role in economic cooperation, says Modi</strong></a></p>

<p>“We cannot accept new global colonialism,” he said in his speech, in remarks sure to trigger concerns in the West about Brazil’s position on China’s and Russia’s campaign to stand up against Western hegemony.</p>

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In his opening remarks at a business forum ahead of the BRICS summit being held in South Africa’s Johannesburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the bloc was on the course to meet the aspirations of most of the world community.

In his opening remarks at a business forum ahead of the BRICS summit being held in South Africa’s Johannesburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the bloc was on the course to meet the aspirations of most of the world community. In a virtual address delivered on Tuesday (August 22), Putin told the forum, “We cooperate on the principles of equality, partnership support, respect for each other’s interests, and this is the essence of the future-oriented strategic course of our association, a course that meets the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called global majority." It must be noted that Putin is not attending the summit in-person as he is sought by the West-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations that he deported Ukrainian children. Putin attacks US dollar, yet again In his address, Putin said the US dollar was losing its global role in an “objective and irreversible” process. De-dollarisation is “gaining momentum” he said, adding that members of the group of major emerging economies are seeking to reduce their reliance on the greenback in mutual transactions. Putin on BRICS vs G7 The Russian leader said the five nations – Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa – are becoming the new world economic leaders, and that their cumulative share of global GDP has reached 26 per cent. Watch: BRICS summit in Johannesburg: Meet between PM Modi and Xi on cards × He added that if measured by purchasing power parity, BRICS has already surpassed the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations – accounting for 31 per cent of the global economy, compared to 30% for the G7. Brazilian leader Lula supports the Common Currency programme In his remarks at the business forum, Brazilian President Lula da Silva said he supported the BRICS common currency programme that does not aim to replace the national currency regime. “I support a common trading currency for BRICS countries that will not replace our national currencies,” he said. “The New Development Bank already represents a milestone in effective collaboration among emerging economies and is expected to be the global leader in financing projects that address the most pressing challenges of our time,” he added. Also read: BRICS Summit 2023: In last 10 years, BRICS played vital role in economic cooperation, says Modi “We cannot accept new global colonialism,” he said in his speech, in remarks sure to trigger concerns in the West about Brazil’s position on China’s and Russia’s campaign to stand up against Western hegemony. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

BRICS 2023: Putin hails de-dollarisation, Lula vows to fight global colonialism

<p>The development bank founded by the BRICS countries is planning to issue its first Indian rupee bond by October, its chief operating officer said on August 21 ahead of the summit's opening in Johannesburg.<br />
<br />
The New Development Bank (NDB) issued its first rand bond in South Africa last week and could consider local currency issuance in members Brazil, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, Vladimir Kazbekov told a press briefing ahead of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on August&nbsp;22-24.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-key-facts-about-the-brics-2023-summit-626490">Explained | Key facts about the upcoming BRICS 2023 Summit at Johannesburg</a></strong></p>

<p>The New Development Bank remains one of the foremost achievements of the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.</p>

<p>The BRICS nations aim to turn the bloc into a counterweight to the West.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What's at stake for India at the BRICS Summit in South Africa?</strong></p>

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<p>"We are going to tap (the) Indian market — rupees — maybe by October in India," Kazbekov said.</p>

<p>"Now we start thinking seriously... to use one member country's currency to finance projects with that currency in another member. Let's say, a project in South Africa to be financed in CNY (Chinese yuan), not with USD (US&nbsp;dollar)," he said.</p>

<p>Kazbekov did not give a target size for the Indian rupee bond programme.</p>

<h2><strong>BRICS Bank's obligations towards Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the BRICS Bank had asserted its obligations towards Russia, who, reports suggest, continued to make payments to the NDB throughout the crisis.<br />
<br />
"Russia plays a significant role in the decision-making process and given its special role as a founding member, NDB intends to think about fulfilling its obligations vis-a-vis, in compliance with applicable restrictions introduced on financial capital," he told at an annual meeting in May 2023.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The development bank founded by the BRICS countries is planning to issue its first Indian rupee bond by October, its chief operating officer said on August 21 ahead of the summit's opening in Johannesburg.

The development bank founded by the BRICS countries is planning to issue its first Indian rupee bond by October, its chief operating officer said on August 21 ahead of the summit's opening in Johannesburg. The New Development Bank (NDB) issued its first rand bond in South Africa last week and could consider local currency issuance in members Brazil, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, Vladimir Kazbekov told a press briefing ahead of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on August 22-24. Also read | Explained | Key facts about the upcoming BRICS 2023 Summit at Johannesburg The New Development Bank remains one of the foremost achievements of the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS nations aim to turn the bloc into a counterweight to the West. Also watch | What's at stake for India at the BRICS Summit in South Africa? × "We are going to tap (the) Indian market — rupees — maybe by October in India," Kazbekov said. "Now we start thinking seriously... to use one member country's currency to finance projects with that currency in another member. Let's say, a project in South Africa to be financed in CNY (Chinese yuan), not with USD (US dollar)," he said. Kazbekov did not give a target size for the Indian rupee bond programme. BRICS Bank's obligations towards Russia Earlier, the BRICS Bank had asserted its obligations towards Russia, who, reports suggest, continued to make payments to the NDB throughout the crisis. "Russia plays a significant role in the decision-making process and given its special role as a founding member, NDB intends to think about fulfilling its obligations vis-a-vis, in compliance with applicable restrictions introduced on financial capital," he told at an annual meeting in May 2023. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Soon, you can buy Indian rupee bond from BRICS Bank

<p>South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in an address ahead of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg set out the pitch for expansion of the bloc of emerging economies currently constituted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramaphosa also called for reforms at United Nations Security Council while expressing support for the multilateralism symbolised by the United Nations.</p>

<p>"The United Nations Security Council must be transformed into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security," Ramaphosa said.</p>

<p>Host country South Africa's president said that the "value of BRICS extends beyond its sheer size," adding that for the efforts related to economic cooperation to be more effective, "BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-critical-role-stressed-by-south-africas-brics-sherpa-anil-sooklal-ahead-af-the-summit-627360">India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit</a></strong></p>

<p>"An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order," he added.</p>

<p>South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries that seek BRICS membership. They are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam.</p>

<h2><strong>'We want rules to be fairer': Ramaphosa calls for transparency</strong></h2>

<p>Ramaphosa said that the BRICS summit is particularly important since it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that, he said, will determine the course of international events for years to come.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps," he said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BRICS Summit 2023: World leaders to discuss BRICS expansion</strong></p>

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<p>"It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system. It must be a system that does not depend on the exercise of power or unilateralism but by the advancement of the interests of the peoples of the world."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Ramaphosa further said: "We seek to change the rules to be fairer but ultimately we want to promote an open system of economic and political relations."</p>

<h2><strong>Diplomacy, mediation can achieve 'durable peace' in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>In a reference to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">meeting of African Union leaders with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in June, Ramaphosa noted the efforts by 'Africa Peace Initiative' to ensure that children who were removed from their homes in Ukraine are returned to their families and that prisoners of war are exchanged.</p>

<p>"We firmly believe that dialogue, mediation and diplomacy is the only viable path to end the current conflict and achieve a durable peace."</p>

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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in an address ahead of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg set out the pitch for expansion of the bloc of emerging economies currently constituted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in an address ahead of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg set out the pitch for expansion of the bloc of emerging economies currently constituted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Ramaphosa also called for reforms at United Nations Security Council while expressing support for the multilateralism symbolised by the United Nations. "The United Nations Security Council must be transformed into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security," Ramaphosa said. Host country South Africa's president said that the "value of BRICS extends beyond its sheer size," adding that for the efforts related to economic cooperation to be more effective, "BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives." Also read | India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit "An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order," he added. South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries that seek BRICS membership. They are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam. 'We want rules to be fairer': Ramaphosa calls for transparency Ramaphosa said that the BRICS summit is particularly important since it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that, he said, will determine the course of international events for years to come. "Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps," he said. "Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use." Also watch | BRICS Summit 2023: World leaders to discuss BRICS expansion × "It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system. It must be a system that does not depend on the exercise of power or unilateralism but by the advancement of the interests of the peoples of the world." Ramaphosa further said: "We seek to change the rules to be fairer but ultimately we want to promote an open system of economic and political relations." Diplomacy, mediation can achieve 'durable peace' in Ukraine In a reference to the meeting of African Union leaders with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, Ramaphosa noted the efforts by 'Africa Peace Initiative' to ensure that children who were removed from their homes in Ukraine are returned to their families and that prisoners of war are exchanged. "We firmly believe that dialogue, mediation and diplomacy is the only viable path to end the current conflict and achieve a durable peace." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Africa's President Ramaphosa calls for UNSC reform, sets pitch for BRICS expansion ahead of summit

<p>In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role".</p>

<p>Speaking to WION exclusively, he said, "India is a critical country in the success of the summit. And I think the fact that we have Prime Minister Modi coming to the summit signals, just how seriously India takes its membership of BRICS."</p>

<p>South Africa is the host of the year's summit which is the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders since 2019, with the Sherpa describing the meeting as "historic". No in-person summits occurred between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-expansion-bilateral-ties-at-forefront-of-pm-modi-raisis-talks-626888">BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi</a></strong></p>

<p>He explained that the "world has changed dramatically in these last few years", adding that "one of the significant geopolitical shifts is the rise of India as the 5th largest global economy. And I think that's significant, not just for India, I think it's significant for BRICS as well. "</p>

<p>Sooklal's insights extended to India's "pioneering role" within BRICS, particularly in deepening the use of national currencies.</p>

<p>He emphasised that India has been at the forefront of this initiative, enabling financial choices and greater independence for member nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-idea-of-common-currency-potential-expansion-creates-jitters-in-the-west-625861">BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West</a></strong></p>

<p>He said, "BRICS is focusing heavily on in terms of giving us financial choices and also greater financial independence, not only in terms of our trade interactions but also in terms of setting up our own payment settlement system, which we also want to be discussing and India again, has been one of the leaders in this in the Global South."</p>

<p>"More and more countries, especially BRICS countries like Russia, China and India have been focusing on using national currencies."</p>

<h2><strong>Focus on expansion of BRICS</strong></h2>

<p>Among the key issues to be addressed at the summit is an expansion of the grouping, a topic that has reverberated globally.</p>

<p>Sooklal underscored the significance, stating, "Having all the BRICS leaders including Prime Minister Modi, to deliberate on this and to see how we deal with the question of expansion, I think that's also really significant."</p>

<p>South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam.</p>

<p>The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world.</p>

<h2><strong>BRICS 2023 summit: Why PM&nbsp;Modi's in-person presence holds significance?</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi's presence in South Africa at this juncture holds dual significance. Not only does it align with the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, but it also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa.</p>

<p>Sooklal noted the importance, stating, "On a number of fronts, it's an important occasion for India. Not just within BRICS, but also the bilateral relationship between our two countries"</p>

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In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role".

In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role". Speaking to WION exclusively, he said, "India is a critical country in the success of the summit. And I think the fact that we have Prime Minister Modi coming to the summit signals, just how seriously India takes its membership of BRICS." South Africa is the host of the year's summit which is the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders since 2019, with the Sherpa describing the meeting as "historic". No in-person summits occurred between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. Also read | BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi He explained that the "world has changed dramatically in these last few years", adding that "one of the significant geopolitical shifts is the rise of India as the 5th largest global economy. And I think that's significant, not just for India, I think it's significant for BRICS as well. " Sooklal's insights extended to India's "pioneering role" within BRICS, particularly in deepening the use of national currencies. He emphasised that India has been at the forefront of this initiative, enabling financial choices and greater independence for member nations. Also read | BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West He said, "BRICS is focusing heavily on in terms of giving us financial choices and also greater financial independence, not only in terms of our trade interactions but also in terms of setting up our own payment settlement system, which we also want to be discussing and India again, has been one of the leaders in this in the Global South." "More and more countries, especially BRICS countries like Russia, China and India have been focusing on using national currencies." Focus on expansion of BRICS Among the key issues to be addressed at the summit is an expansion of the grouping, a topic that has reverberated globally. Sooklal underscored the significance, stating, "Having all the BRICS leaders including Prime Minister Modi, to deliberate on this and to see how we deal with the question of expansion, I think that's also really significant." South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam. The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world. BRICS 2023 summit: Why PM Modi's in-person presence holds significance? Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in South Africa at this juncture holds dual significance. Not only does it align with the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, but it also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa. Sooklal noted the importance, stating, "On a number of fronts, it's an important occasion for India. Not just within BRICS, but also the bilateral relationship between our two countries" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit

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