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. 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.
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. 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. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also arrived in the capital to attend the summit.
South Africa is a full member of BRICS, while Uganda is among the group’s 10 partner countries.
The Russian President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and address the BRICS Business Forum. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira arrived in New Delhi on Thursday to represent Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who remains in Brazil for his election campaign. The summit will also see the participation of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi, who arrived in New Delhi on Friday.
Putin’s visit is expected to add particular significance to India’s engagement with Russia. The Beijing-based multilateral development bank focuses on infrastructure financing, with sustainable development forming a key part of its mission.
