BRICS summit: PM Modi welcomes Russian President Putin ahead of Rs 39,000 crore defence deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reached New Delhi for BRICS summit to be held on October 15-16 in Goa. 

PM Modi and Putin will also meet for a bilateral session in which the two leaders are likely to ink a Rs 39,000 crore defence deal for stealth frigates and S-400 anti-aircraft system. 

Taking to social media site Facebook to express India’s delight to host the 8th BRICS Summit, Pm Modi asserted that that India looks forward to finding common resolve and solutions.

Also read: India, Russia to sign defence deal: Read all about stealth frigates, S-400 anti-aircraft system and Kamov 226T helicopters

“India is delighted to host the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa on 15-16 October 2016, followed by a first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. I look forward to extending a warm welcome to the ten leaders of the BRICS and BIMSTEC families,” the prime minister posted. 

The Prime Minister’s message especially acknowledged India’s bilateral meetings with Russia and Brazil.

“In Goa, I will also have the honour to receive President Vladimir Putin of Russia for the India-Russia Annual Summit and President Michel Temer of Brazil for a bilateral visit. President Putin’s visit will give us an opportunity to consolidate and reaffirm a unique time-tested friendship and partnership with Russia.

“President Temer’s visit will open up new areas for cooperation with Brazil, an important strategic partner.”

PM Modi also welcomed his fellow leaders from China and South Africa.“I also look forward to useful conversations with my fellow leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on addressing pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of our goals.

“As Chair of the BRICS this year, India has embraced a stronger emphasis on promoting people-to-people linkages in diverse fields including trade, sports, education, films, scholarship, and tourism.

“It is anchored in the belief that our people are pivotal partners in our effort to craft responsive, collective and inclusive solutions.

“We will launch new initiatives in Goa even as we mark the successful operationalization of initiatives like the BRICS New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

“I am optimistic that the BRICS Summit will strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation and advance our common agenda for development, peace, stability and reform.

“In a first, I am happy that India is facilitating an outreach Summit with the BIMSTEC leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sir Lanka and Thailand.

"Representing nearly two thirds of humanity together, we hope to tap the potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring. India looks forward to building bridges to new partnerships and finding common resolve and solutions to our entrenched problems.”