BRICS nations committed to anti-terror cooperation: Putin

Ahead of the BRICS summit over the weekend in Goa, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the five-nation bloc of emerging economies was "determined" to cooperate in the fight against terrorism.

"For our five countries' leaders this meeting (in Goa) will be a good opportunity to harmonise our positions on key issues on the international agenda. We are determined to cooperate in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and corruption," Putin said in an exclusive interview to IANS and Sputnik news agencies.

Putin said BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, would "also contribute to settling conflicts and ensuring international information security".

The two-day summit in Goa begins on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Goa summit. Modi is likely to raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with the Russian president.

The BRICS summit comes amid doubts cast over the continuity of the bloc that accounts for nearly 53 per cent of world population. Russia and Brazil are battling a downturn while South African economy is also sluggish. China's growth has also slowed down but India continues to grow at over 7 per cent rate.

Putin said the bloc recognised global economic concerns but expressed a hope that the challenges would be overcome.

"All of us remain concerned over continued lack of stability in the global economy. Together with our partners we will reflect on what can be done to further unite our efforts in order to address these challenges."

Putin also expressed gratitude to India "who has, invariably throughout its chairmanship in BRICS, focused on strengthening and consolidating the strategic partnership within our association".

"I am convinced that the Summit in Goa that will be held under the slogan of continuity and innovation, will be very fruitful. We also expect that the BRICS Summit in Goa will open new opportunities for economic and humanitarian cooperation."

--IANS

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