BRICS Summit 2024 LIVE UPDATES: PM Modi gets rousing welcome from Indian diaspora at Kazan hotel | WATCH

BRICS Summit: More photos from PM Modi's landing at Kazan Airport

BRICS Summit: PM Modi gets grand welcome at Kazan Airport

In a heartwarming display of cultural exchange, Russian nationals welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a soulful rendition of a Krishna bhajan during his visit to Kazan on Saturday.  The bhajan, a devotional song dedicated to Lord Krishna, captivated attendees, highlighting the shared appreciation for spirituality and cultural heritage between the two nations. Modi expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the significance of such gestures in fostering international relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses a dance performance by the artists of the Russian community at Hotel Korston in Kazan. He is here to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held under the Chairmanship of Russia. The Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets and interacts with members of the Indian diaspora as he arrives at Hotel Korston in Kazan, Russia. He is here to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, being held under the Chairmanship of Russia.

BRICS Summit: Stage set for mega event in Kazan | WATCH 

Students from India studying in Russia sing a welcome song as they await PM Modi's arrival at Hotel Korston, in Kazan. PM Narendra Modi is in Russia to attend the 16th BRICS summit (overall) and the first summit after the group expanded last year. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from BRICS member countries.

China on Tuesday confirmed that it has reached an agreement with India to end the standoff between the two armies in eastern Ladakh. “Over a recent period, China and India have been in close communication through diplomatic and military channels on issues related to the China-India border,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing. “Now the two sides have reached a resolution on the relevant matters which China speaks highly of,” he said. Going forward China will work with India to implement these resolutions, he said. He, however, declined to provide details.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that India plays a vital role in BRICS, bringing significant value, particularly in sectors such as economic growth, sustainable development, and global governance reforms. The remarks by Misri came while addressing a media briefing on PM Modi's upcoming Russia visit for the 16th BRICS summit. Addressing the briefing, Misri said, "The PM will be departing for Kazan tomorrow to attend the 16th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The theme of this edition of BRICS is Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security." He added, "As you know, India is a founding member of BRICS and has participated in all of its activities, initiatives and engagements since its inception. India brings great value to BRICS and its contributions have played a vital role in shaping BRICS efforts in areas such as economic growth, sustainable development and global governance reforms."

PM Modi lands at Kazan airport, bilateral with Putin next

PM Modi is set to hold a series of bilateral meetings including with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa). It will be the first summit of the grouping after it was expanded at its summit in Johannesburg last year. "India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others," Modi said in his departure statement.

India values close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of key issues concerning global developmental agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Modi made comments in a statement before embarking on a two-day visit to the Russian city of Kazan to attend the 16th summit of the BRICS grouping.