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PremiumBRICS leaders announced on Thursday the admission of six new countries from next year as the club of large and populous emerging economies seeks to reshape the global order.
The BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- agreed at their annual summit to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates full members from January 1.
"This membership expansion is historic," said Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation is the most powerful in the group of non-Western states that represents a quarter of the world's economy.
"The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later congratulated the new menber, saying, "India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation," he said.
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Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra says, "Prime Minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister highlighted India's concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China border areas. Prime Minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship. In this regard, the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation."
PM Modi holds talks with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on sidelines of BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to Bloomberg economists, “The original BRIC members had two things in common: large economies, and high potential growth rates. The expanded BRICS-11 is a less coherent group — some are going through crises, others are thriving. This could signal an expansion of the agenda beyond economics"
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg that African countries were looking to the BRICS grouping to help them with infrastructure and development.
A senior adviser to Iran's president on Thursday hailed the country's forthcoming admission to the BRICS grouping as a triumph of diplomacy for the Islamic republic.
"Permanent membership in the group of global emerging economies is considered a historic development and a strategic success for the foreign policy of the Islamic republic," Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ethiopia PM hails BRICS entry as 'great moment' for country
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said the interest of other countries to join the BRICS organisation showed how relevant its pursuit for a new world economic order is.
"We will remain open to new candidates," Lula said at a news conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have shown interest in joining the BRICS organisation, he said, adding Iran was also interested.
During a summit held in South Africa, the BRICS group of nations also approved a resolution to study in the future the creation of "a new currency of payments".
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for handling the summit of the BRICS group of nations and for his efforts to expand the bloc.
BRICS has decided to invite six countries - Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - to become new members of the group, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Putin was speaking via video link at the closing news conference of the three-day summit held in Johannesburg.
UAE President says ‘We appreciate the approval of BRIC leaders for UAE joining the group ’
Speaking on the Chandrayaan-3 mission, he said this is not only a historic moment for India, but the entire world
PM Modi shows full support to BRICS expansion. He congratulated the new members saying ‘We have taken important decision to expand BRICS. This move will the bloc more stronger.’
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa says membership will be take affect from January 1, 2024
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa says, "This summit reaffirmed the importance of BRICS, people-to-people exchanges & enhancing friendship & cooperation...We adopted the Johannesburg two declarations which reflect key BRICS messages on matters of global economic, financial & political importance. It demonstrates the shared values & common interests that underlie our mutually beneficial cooperation as the five BRICS countries..."
Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia have been invited to join BRICS economic bloc. (Read here)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday proposed five points for further cooperation between BRICS countries during his remarks at a plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit.
“We are already working on the BRICS satellite constellation. Taking it a step further, we can consider creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium. Under this, we can work for global good in areas like space research, weather monitoring," reads a release of the PM’s remarks.
Cooperation in education and skill development was the second suggested area. (Read here)
Despite BRICS leaders batting for expansion on the group, the negotiations are facing last-minute hurdles, endangering efforts to amplify the "Global South's" influence in global affairs. A Reuters report cited, the leaders contemplating over how much thee bloc can grow and how quickly. In fact, the source close to development say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in not in favour of a bigger bloc and has introduced new admission criteria.
A Bloomberg report cited India is concerned a bigger BRICS would transform the group into a mouthpiece for China
More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS and 22 have formally asked to be admitted. And an agreement to expand BRICS - currently Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - could allow dozens of interested nations to seek admission (Read here)
Major emerging market nations are preparing to invite Saudi Arabia to join BRICS, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the talks.
Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) have agreed to expand their group, which would be the first expansion since 2010, the report said.
Egypt is another nation being invited to join, along with others in the Middle East, the report added
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday called for the expansion of the five-nation grouping, while addressing the opening plenary session of the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg. He emphasized that India has given highest priority to countries of Global South under its G20 presidency. (Read here)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi notices Indian Tricolour on the ground (to denote standing position) during the group photo at BRICS, makes sure to not step on it, picks it up and keeps it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa follows suit. (Read here)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday lauded India for the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3, saying it is something to rejoice about for all BRICS partners.
The Chandrayaan mission remained the focal point of Ramaphosa's welcoming remarks as he hosted a cultural performance and state banquet in Midrand on Wednesday evening BRICS nation leaders.
Also present at the occasion were a host of other leaders from across Africa and Global South who have been invited to participate in the all-day BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue on Thursday.
Ramaphosa quoted Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, "We are in a palace which has no end, but which we have reached. By exploring it and extending our relationship with it, we are ever making it more and more our own."
"This and many other achievements enable us to move forward to prosperity, to progress and to peace," he said.
China's President Xi Jinping has pledged to support Cuba's defence of its national sovereignty, opposing foreign interference and a U.S. economic blockade, and will expand strategic coordination with Havana.
Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday.
"China highly appreciates Cuba's consistent firm support for China on issues involving China's core interests, and will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending its national sovereignty, opposing foreign interference and blockade, and doing its best to provide support for Cuba's economic and social development," Xi said at the meeting, according to the release.
During talks Diaz-Canel labeled Cuban-Chinese relations at an "all-time high".
"The Cuban people greatly admire President Xi Jinping and sincerely thank China for its understanding and valuable support for Cuba's just cause," Diaz-Canel said at the meeting, which was also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to world leaders for their wishes on Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on Moon.
The prime minister in reply to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s wishes said the milestone is not just India's pride but a beacon of human endeavor and perseverance.
“I thank HH Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed for his wishes. This milestone is not just India's pride but a beacon of human endeavor and perseverance. May our efforts in science and space pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for all," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The UAE President earlier said: “The successful lunar landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft represents a significant leap for collective scientific progress. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India for this historic achievement in service of humankind."
In response to wishes by EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, PM Modi wrote: “Thank you @vonderleyen for the kind words. India will continue to explore, learn and share for the betterment of all humankind."
The EU President wrote: “Congratulations to @narendramodi for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. A historic milestone and proud moment for the Indian people. India has become a true pioneer in space exploration. This Indian success will benefit researchers all over the world."
Chandryaan-3 on Wednesday successfully performed a soft landing on the moon.
ISRO tweeted: "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too!' Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! Congratulations, India!"
Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday said: “India's achievement opens up new horizons for humanity. This mission is another proof of the power of science and of the great opportunities it offers us to keep promoting scientific progress and research. Congratulations, @narendramodi!"
PM Modi in reply wrote: “Indeed, through the power of science, India is working towards a brighter future for all. Thank you for the wishes @sanchezcastejon."
Madagascar President on Wednesday wrote on X: “#Chandrayaan3 makes a historic landing on the Moon's south pole! I would like to congratulate #India for such an incredible and emulating achievement. This success belongs to all of humanity, thank you @NarendraModi for your inspiring words and leadership. #IndiaOnTheMoon #BRICS."
PM Modi in response wrote: “Grateful for your wonderful words, President @SE_Rajoelina. India’s strides in space will truly benefit humanity in the times to come."
As the Vikram lander carrying the Pragyaan rover in its belly touched down on the lunar surface, it marked a giant leap in India’s spacefaring journey providing a well-deserved finale to ISRO’s long years of toil.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday exchanged views on bilateral, international issues.
The two ministers met during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The two exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and international issues, interaction within the UN, G20 and BRICS, as well as discussed practical steps to further develop trade and economic cooperation, logistics and financial interaction, as per the Russian Foreign Ministry.
EAM Jaishankar on Wednesday tweeted: "Pleased to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. A useful discussion on recent global developments."
Lavrov congratulated Jaishankar on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. The Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in contact.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday told a summit of the BRICS grouping that Moscow wants to put an end to the "war unleashed by the West".
He said, "The desire of a number of Western countries to maintain their hegemony in the world led to a severe crisis in Ukraine...the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine are dictated only by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West..."
Addressing the plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit via video conferencing, Putin also called for de-dollarisation stressing that BRICS countries must expand settlements in national currencies and enhance cooperation between banks.
Putin also announced Russia as chairman of BRICS next year.
"In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos- strengthening multilateralism for global development and security; we plan to have some 200 political, economic and public events; BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in the city of Kazan..." he said.
The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed were among the world leaders who congratulated India on Wednesday on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, saying the historic event is evidence of India's impressive progress in the scientific-technological sphere.
President Putin has congratulated India's President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful landing of the Indian space probe Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon near its South Pole, the Kremlin's press service said.
"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the successful landing of India’s Chandrayaan-3 space probe on the Moon near the South Pole. This is a long stride in the exploration of outer space and, of course, evidence of the impressive progress made by India in science and engineering," Putin said in his message.
Last week, Russia's first lunar mission in nearly five decades, Luna-25, crashed into the Moon a day after it had spun into uncontrolled orbit. The Russian spacecraft was aiming to be the first ever to make a soft landing on the lunar south pole.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated India on becoming the first country to land a spacecraft on the lunar south pole, which has difficult terrain.
"Congratulations to our friends in India for the successful landing on the moon. Nations are built through perseverance, India continues to make history," he said in a message posted on his account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Bricks Summit today host, SA President Ramaphosa had a 1.20 min speech remembering Mahatma Gandhi.
He thanked Bapu and expressed his gratitude.
BRICS countries have economies vastly different in scale and governments with often divergent foreign policy goals, a complicating factor for a bloc whose consensus decision-making model gives each member a de facto veto.
Bloc heavyweight China has long called for an expansion of BRICS as a means of fostering a multipolar world order to challenge Western dominance.
"The world ... has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," China's President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday. "We, the BRICS countries, should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity."
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted under an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine and is attending the summit remotely, is keen to show Western powers he still has friends.
Brazil and India, in contrast, have both been forging closer ties with the West.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday rejected the idea the bloc should seek to rival the U.S. and Group of Seven wealthy economies.
The BRICS country official said that admission criteria India's Modi proposed included requiring members not be the target of international sanctions, ruling out potential candidates Iran and Venezuela.
Modi was also pushing for a minimum per capital GDP requirement.
"These are the things Modi brought in today," the official said. "So they are becoming a little bit of a spoiler."
