Can BRICS emerge as a genuine counterweight to the West?

As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the expanded grouping is attracting fresh attention as the global balance of power undergoes major changes. China, Russia, India and other BRICS members are pushing for greater cooperation across trade, finance, technology and the wider Global South.

The bloc has also discussed local-currency trade and alternative payment mechanisms, raising questions about the long-term dominance of Western-led financial systems. But BRICS is far from a unified anti-Western alliance. India continues to maintain strategic partnerships with the United States and other Western powers, while differences between BRICS members could make deeper coordination difficult.

With Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other leaders expected in New Delhi, the 2026 summit could reveal how far BRICS can actually go in reshaping the global power equation.

Can BRICS become a true counterweight to the West — or will its internal divisions limit its ambitions?

 Can Brics Emerge as a Counterweight to the West? 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed offers by BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine conflict and told them Moscow's forces were advancing on the battlefield, his spokesman said Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-meet-begins-in-russias-kazan-770069">India, China should strengthen co-operation; Xi urges during meeting with Modi</a>

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," Peskov said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed offers by BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine conflict and told them Moscow's forces were advancing on the battlefield, his spokesman said Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed offers by BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine conflict and told them Moscow's forces were advancing on the battlefield, his spokesman said Wednesday. Also Read | India, China should strengthen co-operation; Xi urges during meeting with Modi 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," Peskov said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian President Putin welcomes BRICS leaders offering Ukraine mediation

Over 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday addressing a meeting of the grouping.

Addressing world leaders at the Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit, Putin said the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting but that it was important to strike a balance in any expansion, Reuters news agency reported.

During the session held at the Kazan Expo Center in the Russian city of&nbsp;Kazan, Putin said, "Over 30 countries have expressed the desire to join BRICS."

"It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS," Putin said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-diplomacy-not-war-pm-modi-tells-world-leaders-at-brics-summit-770025">‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit</a>

"At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and prevent a decrease in the effectiveness of the BRICS," he said, adding that the grouping would also discuss "acute regional conflicts," the Russian President was cited as saying by Reuters.

He further said that the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting, while keeping in mind the need to maintain efficiency, according to Reuters.

Later in the day, PM Modi is set to have a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

The meeting in the capital of Tatarstan marks the first formal interaction between the two leaders in five years and follows the two countries reaching an agreement on resuming regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, shared a joint photo of the leaders of the grouping, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was taken ahead of the Summit.

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Taking to his X platform, Jaiswal wrote, "Stronger and united together for an inclusive and a multipolar world. A historic moment for the BRICS as the leaders take the first photo of the expanded BRICS family at the XVI BRICS Summit."

Prime Minister Modi and UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were seen interacting after the photo session. 
 
A day before, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that a focus area for the BRICS summit is establishing modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model. He further reiterated that the discussions between PM Modi and President Putin included a partner country model.

The remarks by Misri came while addressing a media briefing. He said, "I think one of the focus areas is, I wouldn't say the expansion of BRICS, but what we are discussing right now which is the modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model with BRICS. So that is one of the focus areas for this summit."

He added, "With regard to discussions between Prime Minister and President Putin on some of the issues that are being discussed in BRICS, membership is a partner country model that is under discussion. The guidelines, modalities and the parameters of this model are under discussion. This is something that is still a work in progress at this point.&nbsp;

So, I don't want to go beyond my brief and comment on something that is still under discussion. Again, there might be developments later..."

BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006.

The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia's Yekaterinburg in 2009.

It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Over 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday addressing a meeting of the grouping. Addressing world leaders at the Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit, Putin said the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting but that it was important to strike a balance in any expansion, Reuters news agency reported.

Over 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday addressing a meeting of the grouping. Addressing world leaders at the Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit, Putin said the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting but that it was important to strike a balance in any expansion, Reuters news agency reported. During the session held at the Kazan Expo Center in the Russian city of Kazan, Putin said, "Over 30 countries have expressed the desire to join BRICS." "It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS," Putin said. Also Read | ‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit "At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and prevent a decrease in the effectiveness of the BRICS," he said, adding that the grouping would also discuss "acute regional conflicts," the Russian President was cited as saying by Reuters. He further said that the group would discuss its expansion at the meeting, while keeping in mind the need to maintain efficiency, according to Reuters. Later in the day, PM Modi is set to have a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting in the capital of Tatarstan marks the first formal interaction between the two leaders in five years and follows the two countries reaching an agreement on resuming regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, shared a joint photo of the leaders of the grouping, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was taken ahead of the Summit. Also Read | Israel confirms death of Nasrallah's heir apparent Sayyed Hashem Safieddine Taking to his X platform, Jaiswal wrote, "Stronger and united together for an inclusive and a multipolar world. A historic moment for the BRICS as the leaders take the first photo of the expanded BRICS family at the XVI BRICS Summit." Prime Minister Modi and UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were seen interacting after the photo session. A day before, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that a focus area for the BRICS summit is establishing modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model. He further reiterated that the discussions between PM Modi and President Putin included a partner country model. The remarks by Misri came while addressing a media briefing. He said, "I think one of the focus areas is, I wouldn't say the expansion of BRICS, but what we are discussing right now which is the modalities and guidelines for implementing a partner country model with BRICS. So that is one of the focus areas for this summit." He added, "With regard to discussions between Prime Minister and President Putin on some of the issues that are being discussed in BRICS, membership is a partner country model that is under discussion. The guidelines, modalities and the parameters of this model are under discussion. This is something that is still a work in progress at this point. So, I don't want to go beyond my brief and comment on something that is still under discussion. Again, there might be developments later..." BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia's Yekaterinburg in 2009. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Over 30 countries expressed desire to join BRICS,’ says Russian President Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane has landed in Kazan, Russia, for his two-day visit to attend the 16th BRICS Summit&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;(Oct&nbsp;22).

PM Modi is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts from the other BRICS member nations on the sidelines of the summit. This year, Russia holds the chairmanship of the summit that is taking place from October 22 to October 24. The theme for the summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.

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<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:159,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:200,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1996}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:159,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:200,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1996}" class="twitter-tweet">
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:200,&quot;y&quot;:198,&quot;w&quot;:53,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:233,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Narendra Modi leaves from Delhi for Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held in Kazan, under the Chairmanship of Russia, themed "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," 
 
The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral… <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:309,&quot;y&quot;:290,&quot;w&quot;:154,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:342,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}" href="https://t.co/D0If0sYKc2">pic.twitter.com/D0If0sYKc2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:381,&quot;y&quot;:318,&quot;w&quot;:100,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:414,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2155}" href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1848542759822758017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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There is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President as India announced a day earlier that it has reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:435,&quot;w&quot;:693,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2272}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-russia-visit-for-brics-summit-mea-addresses-possibility-of-bilateral-talks-with-chinas-xi-jinping-769457">PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping</a>

PM Modi announced his departure in a&nbsp;post on X, “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.”

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Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:442,&quot;y&quot;:647,&quot;w&quot;:143,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:475,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2484}" href="https://t.co/mNUvuJz4ZK">https://t.co/mNUvuJz4ZK</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:448,&quot;y&quot;:675,&quot;w&quot;:100,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:481,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2512}" href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1848547527664275940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others,” PM Modi said in a statement before his departure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:826,&quot;w&quot;:627,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2663}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trudeau-is-a-joke-indian-opposition-stands-strong-with-pm-modi-amid-nijjar-killing-row-768340">‘Trudeau is a joke,’ Indian Opposition stands strong with PM Modi amid Nijjar killing row</a>

This visit is Modi’s second visit to Russia in 2024 after he attended the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in July during his trip to Moscow. Modi said his “visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia”.

The statement added, “The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good.”

This marks the first summit to be held after the grouping was expanded at its last summit in the South African city of Johannesburg in 2023. BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane has landed in Kazan, Russia, for his two-day visit to attend the 16th BRICS Summit on Tuesday (Oct 22). PM Modi is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts from the other BRICS member nations on the sidelines of the summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane has landed in Kazan, Russia, for his two-day visit to attend the 16th BRICS Summit on Tuesday (Oct 22). PM Modi is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts from the other BRICS member nations on the sidelines of the summit. This year, Russia holds the chairmanship of the summit that is taking place from October 22 to October 24. The theme for the summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi leaves from Delhi for Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held in Kazan, under the Chairmanship of Russia, themed "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral… pic.twitter.com/D0If0sYKc2 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2024 × There is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President as India announced a day earlier that it has reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also read | PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping PM Modi announced his departure in a post on X, “Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.” Leaving for Kazan, Russia, to take part in the BRICS Summit. India attaches immense importance to BRICS, and I look forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects. I also look forward to meeting various leaders there.https://t.co/mNUvuJz4ZK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2024 × “India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others,” PM Modi said in a statement before his departure. Also read | ‘Trudeau is a joke,’ Indian Opposition stands strong with PM Modi amid Nijjar killing row This visit is Modi’s second visit to Russia in 2024 after he attended the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in July during his trip to Moscow. Modi said his “visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia”. The statement added, “The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good.” This marks the first summit to be held after the grouping was expanded at its last summit in the South African city of Johannesburg in 2023. BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Narendra Modi lands in Russia, will attend 16th BRICS Summit

Kazan, referred to as Russia's third capital, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, is decked up with banners of the BRICS summit, flags, security, and the red and blue of the Russian flag to welcome the leaders of the BRICS countries. The country will not just see the attendance of BRICS leaders from&nbsp;India, China, South Africa, Brazil, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, the UAE, and host Russia, but also invited countries. Around 20 world leaders are expected to be present in the city.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited neighbouring countries from central Asia, and the Global South, like Sri Lanka. BRICS is a grouping that represents 45% of the world's population, 33% of the world's land mass, and 28% of the world's economy.

President Putin, in a meeting with BRICS media persons ahead of the summit, was quite upbeat on the grouping's future. Quoting Indian PM Narendra Modi, he pointed out that the grouping is non-western and not anti-western. He said, "The Prime Minister of India put it best. He said BRICS is not an anti-Western alliance; it is simply non-Western. This distinction is very important and has great meaning. That is, BRICS does not set itself in opposition to anyone."

The group, which first met at leadership level in 2009 in Russia's Yekaterinburg, emerged in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The group of leading emerging economies saw its first expansion in 2011 with the inclusion of South Africa, giving the "S" to BRICS, followed by a second&nbsp;major expansion last year with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. More and more countries are keen to become its members. Delhi has supported the process of BRICS expansion and believes that the group can be a strong voice of the global south.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-russia-visit-for-brics-summit-mea-addresses-possibility-of-bilateral-talks-with-chinas-xi-jinping-769457">PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping</a>

India, which has been a founding member of the group, is expected to play an important role at this year's summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This will be the second time he will be visiting Russia this year, the first being for a bilateral visit to Moscow. On the sidelines, the PM will have a bilateral meeting with host Russian President Putin, and is also likely to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.

However, the question remains&nbsp;if any meeting will happen between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the chill in ties.

Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Monday announced that both sides have agreed on a patrolling agreement at the line of actual control, which leads to disengagement. Last year, both leaders had a brief interaction in South Africa.

For Russia, the aim will be to prove that the BRICS summit is successful. Alternate payments mechanism, expansion of the BRICS through a new category of BRICS partner countries will be one of the key focus areas of the Kazan summit. All in all, it will be a moment for Moscow to tell the world, particularly the west, that it is not isolated amid the Ukraine war and that it has a lot of friends in Asia and the global south.

Kazan, referred to as Russia's third capital, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, is decked up with banners of the BRICS summit, flags, security, and the red and blue of the Russian flag to welcome the leaders of the BRICS countries.

Kazan, referred to as Russia's third capital, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, is decked up with banners of the BRICS summit, flags, security, and the red and blue of the Russian flag to welcome the leaders of the BRICS countries. The country will not just see the attendance of BRICS leaders from India, China, South Africa, Brazil, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, the UAE, and host Russia, but also invited countries. Around 20 world leaders are expected to be present in the city. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited neighbouring countries from central Asia, and the Global South, like Sri Lanka. BRICS is a grouping that represents 45% of the world's population, 33% of the world's land mass, and 28% of the world's economy. President Putin, in a meeting with BRICS media persons ahead of the summit, was quite upbeat on the grouping's future. Quoting Indian PM Narendra Modi, he pointed out that the grouping is non-western and not anti-western. He said, "The Prime Minister of India put it best. He said BRICS is not an anti-Western alliance; it is simply non-Western. This distinction is very important and has great meaning. That is, BRICS does not set itself in opposition to anyone." The group, which first met at leadership level in 2009 in Russia's Yekaterinburg, emerged in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The group of leading emerging economies saw its first expansion in 2011 with the inclusion of South Africa, giving the "S" to BRICS, followed by a second major expansion last year with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. More and more countries are keen to become its members. Delhi has supported the process of BRICS expansion and believes that the group can be a strong voice of the global south. Also read: PM Modi’s Russia visit for BRICS Summit: MEA addresses possibility of bilateral talks with China’s Xi Jinping India, which has been a founding member of the group, is expected to play an important role at this year's summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This will be the second time he will be visiting Russia this year, the first being for a bilateral visit to Moscow. On the sidelines, the PM will have a bilateral meeting with host Russian President Putin, and is also likely to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, the question remains if any meeting will happen between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the chill in ties. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Monday announced that both sides have agreed on a patrolling agreement at the line of actual control, which leads to disengagement. Last year, both leaders had a brief interaction in South Africa. For Russia, the aim will be to prove that the BRICS summit is successful. Alternate payments mechanism, expansion of the BRICS through a new category of BRICS partner countries will be one of the key focus areas of the Kazan summit. All in all, it will be a moment for Moscow to tell the world, particularly the west, that it is not isolated amid the Ukraine war and that it has a lot of friends in Asia and the global south.

Russia's Kazan gets ready for BRICS summit

BRICS countries senior health officials are all set to meet in the next 15 days to discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/16000-foreigners-leave-india-amid-coronavirus-crisis-291590">COVID-19 </a>crisis.

The meet will happen via video conference and it is a Russia-led initiative given the fact that Russia is the chair of the BRICS for this year.&nbsp;

More and more multilateral organisation are now meeting via video conference as travel restrictions disable any movement.&nbsp;

Last month SAARC and G20 leaders met via video conference and later today the UNSC will be meeting via video conference.

Both Russia and India&nbsp;being close strategic partners and members of G20, SCO and BRICS have been closely coordinating with each other on the coronavirus&nbsp;crisis. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin had spoken to each other on March 25 and discussed the ongoing global crisis.&nbsp;

On Thursday, foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov held a telephonic conversation to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

Sources said that "both sides decided to be in touch for monitoring and facilitating the need for medicines and equipment on both sides."

During the talks, FS and DFM Morgulov appreciated the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s citizens in their respective countries. There are about 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists in India.

BRICS countries senior health officials are all set to meet in the next 15 days to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. The meet will happen via video conference and it is a Russia-led initiative given the fact that Russia is the chair of the BRICS for this year.

BRICS countries senior health officials are all set to meet in the next 15 days to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. The meet will happen via video conference and it is a Russia-led initiative given the fact that Russia is the chair of the BRICS for this year. More and more multilateral organisation are now meeting via video conference as travel restrictions disable any movement. Last month SAARC and G20 leaders met via video conference and later today the UNSC will be meeting via video conference. Both Russia and India being close strategic partners and members of G20, SCO and BRICS have been closely coordinating with each other on the coronavirus crisis. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin had spoken to each other on March 25 and discussed the ongoing global crisis. On Thursday, foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov held a telephonic conversation to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. Sources said that "both sides decided to be in touch for monitoring and facilitating the need for medicines and equipment on both sides." During the talks, FS and DFM Morgulov appreciated the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s citizens in their respective countries. There are about 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists in India.

BRICS senior health officials to meet via video conference due to COVID-19

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