Modi to attend BRICS summit in Brazil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today leave to attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit in Brazil.

The Summit's theme is, "Inclusive Growth; Sustainable Development", and is expected to enable shaping up of the post-2015 Development Agenda being discussed in the United Nations.

"I leave today for Brazil at the invitation of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to attend the Sixth BRICS Summit being held in Fortaleza and Brasilia on 15-16 July 2014," said a statement by the Prime Minister.

"India attaches high importance to the BRICS forum for promoting global economic growth, peace and stability. In the course of the past five summits and several ministerial and official processes, BRICS has made major strides in pursuit of these goals," it added.

"I look at the BRICS Summit as an opportunity to discuss with my BRICS partners how we can contribute to international efforts to address regional crises, address security threats and restore a climate of peace and stability in the world. I also look forward to our discussions to further advance intra-BRICS economic cooperation and our collective efforts to advance global economic stability and prosperity. In particular, I look forward to the successful conclusion of major BRICS initiatives, like the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which have seen significant progress since their launch in New Delhi in 2012. These initiatives will support growth and stability in BRICS and also benefit other developing countries," the statement added.

The Summit will also be an occasion for his first meetings with the leaders of Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa, ever since he took up office.