Modi's presence to give a big push to Global South at BRICS Summit

BRICS Summit in South Africa between August 22-24 will see the largest gathering so far at an event of the bloc, with the hosts inviting more than 60 countries, enabling Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a series of meetings including with some of the African leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.

Prospective new members of BRICS have been invited to the summit that will focus on BRICS expansion among other issues, ET has learnt.

The PM's presence will give a major push to India's Global South agenda and its African outreach. Modi's visit is also significant as he has proposed full membership of the African Union in G20.

The PM has been at the forefront of shaping the agenda for the Global South in the backdrop of the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. He is also a strong believer in having a greater voice for the countries of the Global South, particularly African countries, on international platforms.

The South African president has "invited (with consensus support from his fellow BRICS leaders) 67 leaders from Africa and the Global South to attend the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues. The Leaders cover all the continents and regions of the Global South," South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor said earlier this month. Another 20 representatives of international organisations have also been invited, the minister said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak at the BRICS summit virtually on August 23. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be heading the country's delegation.

On the first day of the summit, August 22, a business forum will be held, with heads of state addressing participants at the final session in the evening. After that, the BRICS leaders will meet each other in a closed session. "The agenda here is open - they will be able to exchange views on any topic they consider necessary," said Anil Sooklal, South Africa's BRICS sherpa.