Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia on October 22 and 23 to attend the BRICS Summit, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. During this visit, PM Modi is anticipated to engage in bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other BRICS member countries and invited leaders.
Uncertainty About Meeting with Xi Jinping
A significant point of interest surrounding the summit is whether PM Modi will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Official sources have indicated that there is currently “no clarity” regarding this potential meeting.
Comments from Denis Alipov
Denis Alipov, the Russian envoy to India, emphasized the importance of BRICS in promoting civilizational diversity and facilitating mutually beneficial dialogue without external pressures or interference. He noted that the geopolitical and practical relevance of the BRICS grouping is growing, aligning with the agenda of the global south.
Criteria for BRICS Membership
Alipov stated that aspiring countries seeking BRICS membership should be “economically ambitious” and “oppose illegitimate sanctions.” He also advocated for an alternative to the SWIFT system for global payments, from which Russia was excluded following the onset of the war in Ukraine.
Emphasis on National Currencies
There has been a push among BRICS member countries for greater use of national currencies in trade. Diplomatic sources have identified this as a priority for Russia, while simultaneously ruling out the idea of a common BRICS currency.
Focus on BRICS Expansion
During the conference, Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner-designate to India, reflected on last year’s focus on expanding BRICS. He noted that the organization has successfully brought the global south to the table.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What are the dates of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia?
A) October 20-21
B) October 21-22
C) October 22-23
D) October 23-24
Answer: C) October 22-23 - What is the main purpose of PM Modi’s visit to Russia?
A) To sign a trade agreement
B) To attend the BRICS Summit
C) To hold a meeting with President Biden
D) To discuss climate change
Answer: B) To attend the BRICS Summit - What did Denis Alipov emphasize about BRICS during the conference?
A) It should limit membership
B) It promotes civilizational diversity
C) It only focuses on economic issues
D) It is against the global south
Answer: B) It promotes civilizational diversity - According to Alipov, what should aspiring BRICS countries be?
A) Economically stable
B) Economically ambitious
C) Politically neutral
D) Militarily strong
Answer: B) Economically ambitious - What alternative did Alipov suggest regarding global payments?
A) An increase in the use of the dollar
B) An alternative to the SWIFT system
C) A common BRICS currency
D) Greater reliance on cryptocurrency
Answer: B) An alternative to the SWIFT system