PM Modi extends warm welcome to participating nations in BRICS summit

India is honoured to welcome President Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit, which will also take place in Goa. @KremlinRussia_E

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2016

As BRICS chair this year, India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic and people-to-people ties. This will benefit us greatly.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2016

We also welcome President @MichelTemer of Brazil for a bilateral visit, which will open new areas of cooperation with Brazil.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2016

I look forward to deliberations with leaders of China and South Africa, which will strengthen our bilateral ties with these key partners.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2016

The outreach with BIMSTEC leaders is significant. We hope to tap the huge potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2016

"President Putin's visit will give us an opportunity to consolidate and reaffirm a unique time-tested friendship and partnership with Russia. President Temer's visit will open up new areas for cooperation with Brazil, an important strategic partner," he said.

He added that he looks forward to useful conversations with his fellow leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on addressing pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of their goals.

"As Chair of the BRICS this year, India has embraced a stronger emphasis on promoting people-to-people linkages in diverse fields including trade, sports, education, films, scholarship, and tourism. It is anchored in the belief that our people are pivotal partners in our effort to craft responsive, collective and inclusive solutions," the Prime Minister said.

Emphasising on the new initiatives that will be launched in Goa during the Summit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his optimism that the BRICS Summit will strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation and advance a common agenda for development, peace, stability and reform.

He further stated that he is happy that India is facilitating an outreach Summit with the BIMSTEC leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sir Lanka and Thailand.

"Representing nearly two thirds of humanity together, we hope to tap the potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring. India looks forward to building bridges to new partnerships and finding common resolve and solutions to our entrenched problems," the Prime Minister said.

--ANI