The ninth edition of the BRICS Summit, underway in Xiamen, China is centered around the theme of ‘Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China on Sunday to attend the meet, along with leaders of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. He was received by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the International Conference Centre in Xiamen. The summit will conclude on September 5.
A week ahead of the summit, New Delhi and Beijing agreed to withdraw their respective troops from Doklam, ending the impasse that lasted over two months. Modi, who is meeting Xi for the second time in three months, is expected to hold bilateral talks with him on Tuesday. The last time the two met was in Astana, Kazakhstan, at a BRICS leaders’ informal meet.
Read LIVE updates on the BRICS Summit here
12.45 pm: If you’re just joining us, here’s an update on what’s happened at the BRICS Summit in China so far. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, South Africa and India landed in Xiamen on Sunday ahead of the commencement of the Summit, hosted by China. This morning, the leaders met for a plenary session, where they discussed issues of international relevance. Following the meeting, they released the Xiamen declaration, in which they have condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Further, they expressed concern over the security situation in the region, including violence by Pakistan-sponsored groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
12.21 pm: In their declaration, BRICS leaders express concern on the security situation in region, and violence by terror groups such as the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM.
12.20 pm: The BRICS leaders have condemned terrorist attacks worldwide, including those in BRICS countries. They condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestation whereever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification for any act of terror. They reaffirmed that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable.
11.15 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Read | BRICS Summit diary: Xiamen might be a washout
11.06 am: On Sunday, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, Xi and Putin met to discuss North Korea’s latest nuclear test. North Korea on Sunday claimed to have “successfully” tested its sixth and most powerful nuclear missile.
10.20 am: Watch this Chinese reporter from China Radio sing a Hindi song during the BRICS Summit!
#WATCH: Reporter with China Radio, Tang Yuangai sings a Hindi song during the #BRICSSummit in Xiamen (China) pic.twitter.com/dSi3ewzYy3
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017
10.00 am: More from PM Modi’s speech: The Indian Prime Minister says BRICS nations have cooperated in diverse areas such as agriculture, culture, environment, energy and sports. He says the nations are in “mission mode” to eradicate of poverty and ensure health, sanitation, food security, skills, gender equality, energy and education. He urged leaders to consider creating a BRICS rating agency to cater to financial needs to sovereign & corporate entities of developing countries.
9.50 am: Meanwhile, on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Japanese PM Shinzo Abe regarding North Korea’s apparent nuclear missile test, and urged him to restrain his response. According to Xinhua News, the two leaders also agreed to increase military cooperation between them, reports AP.
9.40 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the leaders now. He thanks President Xi for the warm reception and the excellent organisation of the summit. “BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation; it has contributed to stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty,” he says. He adds that cooperation is important for peace and development and will be an instrument for progress.
9.33 am: In case you’re just joining us, the plen
