PM Modi, President Xi identify terror as scourge; NSG, Azhar issue also raised

The 8th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in Goa, will kick-start with an informal dinner tonight. The main events of the Summit will take place tomorrow, with a restricted meeting of the five BRICS leaders. 

Prime Minister Modi will chair the BIMSTEC meeting, followed by a meeting of BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders. BRICS brings together the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. 

Updates: 

PM Modi to have meetings with Sri Lankan President, also with Prime Minister of Bhutan tomorrow: Vikas Swarup, MEA

We are maintaining continuous dialogue with China and hope they see the logic of what we are saying: MEA on Masood Azhar

There is close coordination between India and China on Azhar issue and that particular dialogue will continue, says Vikas Swarup, MEA

President Xi clearly said that China opposes all forms, manifestations of terrorism and that there must be increased co-operation with India, says MEA

President Xi said that India and China must step up counter terror efforts, also said that we must maintain our strategic communication, dialogue on it: MEA

PM Modi said India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground: Vikas Swarup

PM Modi said that today no country is immune from terrorism, and this is an issue on which we cannot afford to have any differences: MEA

President Xi lauded India's chairmanship of BRICS, and in particular outreach with BIMSTEC countries which he described as innovative, says MEA

There was a brief discussion on NSG, PM said that we look forward to working with China to realise India's membership of NSG: MEA

PM Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region: Vikas Swarup

Both (PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping) reviewed bilateral relationship and its dimensions: Vikas Swarup

PM Modi thanked President Zuma for the statement that he had issued post Uri attack, and that India appreciated solidarity shown by them: MEA

PM Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's bid for membership of NSG, and hope that they continue their support: MEA

PM Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Goa at BRICS 2016

Modi, Putin begin bilateral talks on BRICS sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday began a closed-door bilateral meeting ahead of BRICS heads of states meet in Goa.

The two leaders are meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit following which the two countries are expected to sign key defence, energy and agriculture-related business deals. 

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Modi and Putin "will discuss on a range of issues including defence, counter-terrorism".

PM Modi welcomes Putin to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India ahead of bilateral summit and BRICS heads of states meet in Goa.

Putin later on Saturday will participate in an India-Russia bilateral meeting and the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to take place at a south Goa resort here.

Putin is expected to sign agreements on a wide range of issues ranging from defence to agriculture. The President has been accompanied by top bureaucrats from the Defence, Energy, Trade and Industries ministry.

Modi and Putin via video conference will also participate in foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.

* Putin arrives in Goa for BRICS Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Goa to attend BRICS Summit. His arrival in Goa was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state. The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 AM at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region.

His flight, which was supposed to land at 3 AM, was rescheduled to 7 AM but even at that time it could not arrive. However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane was diverted. 

* South African President Jacob Zuma arrives in Dabolim city for BRICS Summit 

* Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for BRICS Summit

* Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here last night and was welcomed at the INS Hansa base by Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza.

Terrorism, economic cooperation to dominate agenda

The BRICS Summit comes at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan has gone sour following the terror attack at Uri and surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC. Terrorism will be on the agenda and India is likely to pitch for united fight against the international threat. 

Besides, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing people to people contact and bolstering intra BRICS trade will also figure during the Summit.

Unprecedented security in Goa

Goa's beaches have been turned into fortresses while strong police presence is kept on all the main highways and lanes leading to the venue of the event.

The state police have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of traffic along the roads near the Dambolim airport and on the way leading to the main venue. 

While the Coast Guard has maintained aerial and seaward surveillance in the Arabian Sea, Marine police personnel are deployed in the rivers of the state. 

"Without going into details of the security arrangements, I would like to mention that seven companies of paramilitary forces will be assisting Goa police to manage law and order along with the police force from Maharashtra and Karnataka," Manoj Kumar Sahoo, State secretary (Protocol) said. 

Several police personnel have been posted on the beaches. The temporary bunkers and tents have been erected on the beaches and at several stretches, the movement of people is restricted. 

The Goa government has already banned fishing and water sports activity till October 18. Flying has also been banned in the areas around the venue.