New Delhi: With the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa set to discuss admitting new members, India on Thursday dismissed as “baseless” reports that it is opposed to the expansion of the five-nation grouping.
In a telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that he looked forward to visiting Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Summit.
“President Ramaphosa invited the prime minister for the BRICS summit being hosted by South Africa on August 22-24, and briefed him on the preparations for the same,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Modi accepted the invitation and conveyed that he looked forward to his visit to Johannesburg to participate in the Summit.
In a tweet, he said, “Pleased to speak with President @CyrilRamaphosa. Reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation as we celebrate 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Look forward to participating in the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg later this month.” The two leaders also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest, the PMO statement said.
President Ramaphosa conveyed his full support to India’s initiatives as part of its ongoing G-20 Presidency and said he looked forward to visit India to attend the G-20 Summit, it said.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the statement said.
BRICS is a grouping of five countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
PTI