India, Russia to Discuss Conflicts, Terrorism at BRICS Summit

GOA, India-  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss regional and global issues, as well as terrorism and conflicts, during their bilateral meeting at the upcoming BRICS summit in Goa, Indian Ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran said Friday, according to Sputnik.

The summit of the five-nation BRICS will take place on Saturday and Sunday and will be attended by all five leaders, who will discuss a plan for cooperation in the near future as well as discussing a wide range of political, economic and security topics.

 “India-Russia relationship today is much more than the bilateral dimension of the relationship, obviously we know that Russia is a world power with global foreign policy interests, including in the Asia Pacific region. And similarly, India itself is very significant player in the international scene. So, regional and global issues, which are current hotspots in the world, would be discussed between the leaders,” Saran told reporters ahead of the summit.

 Putin and Modi are expected to discuss defense, security, trade and investment. During the summit, Russia and India may also sign an agreement on expanding data sharing on terrorism and cybercrimes, according to media reports.

 “Terrorism will be a subject of discussion which is expected and that would be very natural for both leaders to discuss,” Saran added.

BRICS is an association of five economies which comprise over one third of the world’s population. BRICS member states, China, Russia, Brazil, India and South Africa, have a combined nominal GDP equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the gross world product.

H.M