New Delhi, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The Kremlin confirmed the bilateral meeting, emphasizing India’s role as a “strategic partner” for Russia.
Before President Putin’s arrival, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, engaged with the media in a virtual briefing. His comments reflected the warmth in India-Russia relations and the evolving global landscape.
Peskov stated, “Mutual contacts between the two countries will be crucial, especially the meeting with Prime Minister Modi. As you know, the leaders of India and Russia share a very close relationship. Their connection is practical, allowing for honest discussions on sensitive global agendas and our bilateral issues.”
This meeting comes at a pivotal time as the world grapples with a multipolar order, Western sanctions, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Highlighting the significance of BRICS, Peskov noted, “I want to remind you that BRICS is not an organization; it is a club. We do not have a charter, rules, or a permanent office. Rather, it is a group of countries that share similar views on how the world should operate and how cooperation should be fostered in various fields.”
He mentioned that Russia is committed to contributing to the development of BRICS’ three main pillars: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contacts. “We certainly have our initiatives that we are promoting within this group. We support the idea of involving more countries in various forms of cooperation within BRICS.”
Peskov praised the concept of partner countries, noting that a new category of “BRICS Partner Countries” was established in 2024. This category is developing well, with nations like Belarus, Bolivia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan gaining partner status. Representatives from these countries are gradually being included in various working groups and formats, which he views as a positive development.
During the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Russian delegation initiated discussions at the expert level regarding reforms in the United Nations and improving the functioning of major international institutions. Peskov emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that many countries within BRICS have supported it.
He also revealed that approximately 90% of payments between Russia and BRICS nations are now being conducted in national currencies. This statement comes amid growing discussions among BRICS countries regarding alternatives to the dominance of the dollar and alternative payment systems.
On the proposed U.S. sanctions concerning India’s energy imports from Russia, Peskov took a firm stance, labeling the U.S. legislation as “illegal.”
The upcoming Modi-Putin talks are expected to address significant issues, including the Ukraine war and efforts for peace. India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the pathway to resolving the conflict.
In response to questions about India’s role, Peskov expressed, “We welcome Indian efforts.”
He indicated that BRICS should be viewed as more than just an economic group, representing a symbol of the multipolar world order. Peskov acknowledged India’s substantial investment during its BRICS presidency, asserting that the ideology of the organization reflects a multipolar worldview. He believes that the unipolar world is collapsing and losing its competitiveness.
According to him, the BRICS Summit in New Delhi is not merely a gathering of member states but also a discussion on the new global order, where Russia, India, China, and other emerging countries seek greater influence in global decision-making processes.
Peskov underscored the importance of India-Russia relations, stating, “The story is not limited to oil and defense.” He expressed hope for further progress in developing new nuclear plants in India and welcomed Indian students studying in Russia.
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