MODI SAYS INDIA READY TO WELCOME ‘PARTNER COUNTRIES’ FOR BRICS EXPANSION

NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that there are “high expectations” from BRICS, adding that any decision on expanding the emerging economic bloc should be taken by consensus.

“India is ready to welcome new countries into BRICS as ‘partner countries’,” Anadolu Agency (AA) quoted Modi as saying during a summit of BRICS leaders in Kazan, Russia.

The meeting, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, began with an address to the BRICS leaders, including those from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who are participating in the summit for the first time since becoming official members in January.

Modi was speaking during a closed-door session of the summit, which commenced on Tuesday.

“In this regard, all decisions should be made by consensus, and the views of the BRICS founding members should be respected,” said the Indian prime minister.

He also noted that several new applications for membership are pending.

“Our meeting is taking place at a time when the world is facing numerous pressing challenges, including wars, economic uncertainty, climate change, and terrorism,” said Modi.

Referring to discussions on the North-South and East-West divide, Modi said the “high expectations” from a diverse and inclusive BRICS, which he believes “can play a positive role in all areas.”

Calling for global regulations on cyber security and the safe and secure use of artificial intelligence, Modi emphasised, “We must convey to the world that BRICS is not a divisive organisation, but one that works in the interest of humanity.”

“We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war,” he added.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU