THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi; Discusses progress across political, economic, defence, energy and regional and global issues; Prime Minister Modi reiterates on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
- Prime Minister also holds bilateral meetings with Iranian President and United Nations Secretary General.
- Heads of BRICS Member Countries attend Leaders’ Session of BRICS Business Forum; PM Modi says, economic strength of BRICS grew at nearly twice the pace of rest of the world.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels capture Yemen’s strategic Mayun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near Red Sea.
- In Hockey, Indian Junior Men’s Team enters final of Asia Cup defeating Malaysia at Moqi in China.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to- people domains today. During their bilateral talks in New Delhi, the two leaders also shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts.
The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Prime Minister Modi and President Putin welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition “INNOPROM India”. The Exhibition was held for the first time in India since 9th of this month till today and underscored its importance in further expanding trade and industrial ties. The two leaders also visited the INNOPROM India exhibition and interacted with the participants.
President Putin invited Prime Minister to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
Mr Modi gifted Mr Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the ancient Tamil classic by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their meeting.
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During his bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Modi exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Mr Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Mr Modi also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.
The Prime Minister thanked Iran for its regular, high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite the challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that BRICS nations are emerging as important centres of global innovation and solutions. Addressing the Leaders’ Session of BRICS Business Forum at Bharat mandapam in New Delhi this evening, Mr Modi said, the economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world. He said, new possibilities for innovation, spanning everything from grassroots initiatives to frontier technologies, are taking shape within the BRICS countries.
The Prime Minister said, amid global uncertainties, India today offers a source of confidence for growth and stability. He called for Make in India, Innovate with India and Scale for the world.
Stressing on importance of safe sea routes, the Prime Minister said, global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe.
Addressing the Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, over the last five years, more than 40 per cent of the world’s GDP has been produced by the BRICS countries. He said, BRICS countries account for more than half of the world’s population and that is why, they have a great dynamic, vibrant, domestic markets.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested that one of the most important steps is to expand the use of national currencies in trade among the members. He said, this step must be accompanied by the establishment of the necessary instruments for managing currency risks and reciprocal settlements.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, Global South must lead in manufacturing, Technology and value creation. He also raised concern over unilateral sanctions.
In his address, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that during India’s Chairship, BRICS has been driven by a clear purpose, to achieve more balanced trade amongst member nations.
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The stage is all set for the 18th BRICS Summit to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi tomorrow. During the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play host to world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan.
The Summit will get underway tomorrow with a Closed Session for BRICS Member Countries on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism”. Leaders of BRICS Member Countries will witness the Bharat Innovates Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam. They will also undertake a joint tree plantation which will be followed by a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister will hold a series of bilateral meetings with BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. On Sunday, Mr Modi will welcome the Leaders of BRICS Partner Countries and Outreach Invitees. The Leaders will participate in a Session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth”. Our correspondent has filed this report:
“All eyes are on New Delhi as the national capital gears up to play host to a galaxy of world leaders. Ahead of the Summit, the hot weather in the national capital turned pleasant with rain lashing several parts of the city this afternoon. India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship comes at a time of significant global transformation. The international system is experiencing economic fragmentation, technological disruption and geopolitical uncertainty. Climate change and resource pressures are adding further complexity. These interconnected challenges require cooperation that is inclusive, practical and responsive to diverse national circumstances. India’s Chairship seeks to build consensus across diverse members while strengthening the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. India aims to reinforce BRICS as a constructive force for a more inclusive global order. With Anupam Mishra, Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi. “
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Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit.
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Alexey Overchuk, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali are among several dignitaries who have arrived for the summit.
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President of ASSOCHAM Nirmal K Minda said that the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming BRICS cooperation into concrete business outcomes is highly significant. He added that deepening trade, investment, technology, start-up and business partnerships among BRICS economies can unlock enormous opportunities and create new avenues for inclusive and sustainable growth.
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Traffic restrictions, diversions and regulated movement will be enforced on several key roads in the national capital tomorrow in view of the BRICS Summit. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, use the Metro wherever possible and allow additional travel time while traveling through or towards the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has said Metro operations on Sunday will commence from 6 AM.
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In Yemen, the Houthi forces have advanced towards the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Houthi forces have reached Dhubab, a coastal town near the strait, and the strategic Perim Island, media reports said. The development follows the Houthis’ reported capture of the Red Sea port of Mocha earlier this week. Bab el-Mandeb is a key shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
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The European Commission today formally submitted its proposal to the European Council to sign and conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, marking a major step towards implementing the ambitious pact, widely described as the “mother of all deals”. If authorised by the Council, the agreement will become the largest trade deal ever concluded by both the European Union and India.
India and the EU announced the conclusion of the FTA in January, marking a historic milestone in their economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners.
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India has reiterated its unwavering resolve to combat terrorism on the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks in the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that while the threat of terrorism continues to evolve, India’s resolve and opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remain unwavering. On the 25th anniversary of the horrific attacks, Mr. Modi said in a social media post today, that terrorism has claimed countless lives around the world.
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In the Junior Asia Cup Hockey, Indian Junior Men’s Team defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the first semi-final today to book a place in the final at Moqi in China. Indian Skipper Anmol Ekka scored two goals while Sukhvinder scored one goal. Five-time champions India had entered the last four in dominant fashion, defeating Chinese Taipei 15-nil in their final Pool A match. India will face South Korea in the final on Sunday. South Korea defeated Pakistan 4-1 this evening to reach the final. Indian junior women’s team will face South Korea in the semi-final tomorrow.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi; Discusses progress across political, economic, defence, energy and regional and global issues; Prime Minister Modi reiterates on dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
- Prime Minister also holds bilateral meetings with Iranian President and United Nations Secretary General.
- Heads of BRICS Member Countries attend Leaders’ Session of BRICS Business Forum; PM Modi says, economic strength of BRICS grew at nearly twice the pace of rest of the world.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels capture Yemen’s strategic Mayun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near Red Sea.
- In Hockey, Indian Junior Men’s Team enters final of Asia Cup defeating Malaysia at Moqi in China.
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