PM Narendra Modi Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping Amid Border Row:- Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi appreciated momentum in the BRICS bloc under the Chinese chairmanship, amid increased tension between India and China on developments near Sikkim.

Modi also extended full cooperation for the grouping’s upcoming summit to be hosted by Beijing. Addressing at an informal meeting of BRICS leaders in Hamburg, Germany, on the sidelines of G20 summit, he called upon the group leaders to show leadership in fighting terrorism and increasing global economic growth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing right after Modi, also appreciated the momentum witnessed at the BRICS bloc, during India’s chairmanship, before it was passed on to China. The two leaders met in the sidelines of the summit and shook hands.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs after the meeting, the leaders of five BRICS countries- which also included Russia’s Vladimir Putin, discussed preparedness and priorities for the forthcoming 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, that is scheduled in September.

Xi said he looked forward to welcoming the BRICS leaders. Meanwhile, Modi said BRICS has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership on terrorism and global economy.

“G20 should collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors,” Modi said. Referring to the reforms in India, including the recent introduction of GST, he stated that for sustained global economic recovery, it is necessary to work together. Especially in the spheres of trade and movement of knowledge and professionals, Modi advocated collective voice against the practices of protectionism.

Besides this, Modi repeated India’s commitment to implementing the Paris agreement in letter and spirit. He described its implementation globally as essential to fighting climate change. To establish a BRICS rating agency, he called for expeditious action and stated that cooperation on development of Africa should be a priority. While stressing on the need for greater people-to-people exchanges, the prime minister appreciated momentum in BRICS under the chairmanship of Xi and extended full cooperation and best wishes for the BRICS Xiamen Summit.

By thanking Xi for his welcome and hosting the meeting., Modi began his speech. “Under Xi’s chairmanship, the progress and positive momentum of BRICS has further deepened our cooperation,” Modi said. The prime minister, who spoke in Hindi, also said “lastly, I extend my best wishes and full cooperation to President Xi Jinping for the upcoming ninth BRICS Summit”.

After a Chinese Army’s construction party attempted to build a road, China and India have been engaged in a stand-off in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction. The stand-off is near Sikkim section.

Mr Xi, concluding the meeting immediately after the Prime Minister’s remarks, appreciated India's strong resolve against terrorism and the momentum in BRICS introduced under India’s chairmanship and through the outcomes of the Goa Summit in 2016. India’s success in economic and social development was also appreciated by Xi and further wished India a bigger success.

SUPRAJA