PM Modi jets to Johannesburg for 15th BRICS summit; Historic visit to Greece follows

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his journey to Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday to attend the pivotal 15th BRICS Summit, hosted under South African leadership. This marks PM Modi’s third South African visit, coinciding with the celebration of three decades of India-South Africa diplomatic ties.

The summit, set to unravel from 22-24 August 2023, has invited PM Modi at the behest of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. BRICS, renowned for fostering cooperation across varied domains, provides a platform for deliberations on global issues, particularly concerning the Global South.

PM Modi, highlighting the essence of the summit, mentioned, “BRICS offers a strategic opportunity to identify areas of future collaboration, evaluate institutional progression, and debate global concerns including development directives and multilateral system reforms.”

Apart from the primary BRICS discussions, Modi expressed enthusiasm about bilateral meetings with fellow leaders in Johannesburg. He further elaborated on the significance of the summit, stating his keenness to engage with invited nations and partake in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue event.

PM Narendra Modi flies to Johannesburg for 15th BRICS summit. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India/Wikimedia Commons.

Meanwhile, Russia‘s participation in the summit will be headlined by a virtual appearance by President Vladimir Putin and an on-ground presence by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. They, along with other dignitaries, are scheduled for the “BRICS – Africa outreach and Brics plus dialogue” event, focusing on fostering ties with numerous African nations.

Post the BRICS commitments, PM Modi has his sights set on Athens, Greece. Accepting an invitation from the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Modi’s visit starting August 25 marks a monumental event: the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Greece in four decades.

Reflecting on the profound history between India and Greece, PM Modi emphasized, “Our two civilizations share ties that span over two millennia. In contemporary times, democratic values, legal systems, and cultural exchanges have deepened our bond. My visit aims to usher in a new era of our multifaceted relationship.”

With such a packed agenda and potential bilateral agreements in the offing, PM Modi’s international engagements promise to fortify India’s diplomatic and economic stature in the global arena.