New Delhi is witnessing a steady arrival of global leaders, ministers and senior officials as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. With the summit set to bring together representatives from major emerging economies and partner countries, the national capital has been gearing up for two days of high-level discussions on global economic, geopolitical and development-related issues.
South Africa is a full member of BRICS, while Uganda is among the group’s 10 partner countries. They were received by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary. Several other senior representatives have also reached the capital. Russia’s delegation is being led by President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of Friday. He was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also arrived in the capital to attend the summit.
Uruguay Foreign Affairs Minister Mario Lubetkin had also arrived earlier, adding to the growing presence of BRICS members, partner countries and invited participants. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Uganda Vice President Jessica Alupo arrived in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the summit. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P Lazaro arrived in New Delhi on Friday.
Putin’s visit comes as BRICS marks its 20th anniversary, according to the Kremlin. Putin’s visit is expected to add particular significance to India’s engagement with Russia. Putin is also scheduled to visit the INNOPROM exhibition along with Modi. The exhibition has been organised by the industry and trade ministries of Russia and India.
The Russian President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and address the BRICS Business Forum.
