NEW DELHI: In an open interview on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that there is no assurance that the war in Ukraine will finish, but he remained firm in his belief that Russia will win. Additionally, he used the occasion to commend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the BRICS alliance, particularly his insistence that the group is a “non-Western” or “anti-Western” organization.
Speaking in advance of Putin’s hosting of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22–23, the Russian leader reaffirmed Modi’s assertion that the BRICS grouping is not a “bloc-style organization.” Putin emphasized that even non-members stand to gain economically from the growth of BRICS, which has grown from its founding five members to include five more, and that it is still open to new members.
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The comments were made at Putin’s official home in Novo-Ogaryovo, which is located just outside of Moscow, at a meeting with senior editors from BRICS member countries. Putin called Modi a “friend” during the conversation and expressed gratitude for India’s support for a peaceful conclusion and for the Indian leader’s concern over the Ukraine war.
Putin acknowledged Modi’s efforts when he was questioned about India’s possible involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Following his earlier discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv, Modi called for a speedy and peaceful end to the crisis on August 27.
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When he meets with Modi at the next summit, Putin also hinted at possible attempts to promote Indian movies in Russia, suggesting that cultural connections between India and Russia may be strengthened beyond geopolitical discussions.
As excitement for the BRICS Summit grows, the leaders are anticipated to address concerns regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and concentrate on international economic cooperation, further establishing BRICS as a major force in the evolving global order.