PM Narendra Modi leaves for China to attend BRICS summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on Sunday to take part in the 9th BRICS summit in Xiamen, China. He hoped this would support the agenda for a stronger partnership among the member countries, amid a strain in Sino-India ties over a host of issues.

In a statement yesterday, the prime minister said he was looking forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes at the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa)Summit in Xiamen city, building upon the results of last year's Goa Summit between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit comes days after India and China managed to end the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.

From Xiamen, he will travel to Myanmar on August 5 before returning to the country on August 7. A possible meeting between Modi and Chinese leader Xion the margins of the Summit will be a major focus at a time when ties between the two major powers have divided over a number of issues including the Dokalam stand-off.

"I look forward to building upon the results and outcomes of the Goa Summit. I also look forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes that will support the agenda of a stronger BRICS partnership under the chairmanship of China," the PM said in a statement.

The Summit meeting will take place tomorrow. The prime minister said he will have the opportunity to meet leaders bilaterally on the sidelines of the BRICS meet.

PM said he was looking forward to engaging with leaders of nine other countries, including BRICS partners, in an Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, being hosted by Xi on September 5. "We will also interact with the BRICS Business Council represented by captains of industry from all the five countries," he said.