PM Modi May Raise Issue of Terrorism at BRICS Summit
NEW DELHI: While stressing that terrorism remains an important global concern, India on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention in the coming BRICS summit may touch upon the scourge of terrorism.
Replying to questions at a media briefing on the Prime Ministers visit to China from September 3 to 5 to attend the IXth BRICS summit to be held in Xiamen in Chinas Fujian province, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that it would be for the Prime Minister to raise any issue in his intervention.
The host China advised that Indias concerns over Pakistans support to terror were not an appropriate topic to be discussed at the BRICS summit. The spokesperson said that he could not be preempt what the Prime Minister would say at plenary and other sessions of the summit. He added that Indias stand against terror was "very clear and the issue has been raised by the countrys top leaders at various global and regional forums.
On the prospects of a meeting between Mr. Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the spokesperson pointed out that it is a common practice to arrange such meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums.He added that details and timings of bilateral meetings of the Prime Minister with other leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS summit were being worked out.
The BRICS nations represent 42 per cent of the worlds population, have a share of 23 per cent of the global GDP and 17 per cent share in the world trade. At the 9th summit, Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, Guinea and Tajikistan will be present as guest or observer nations.
Mr. Modi will travel to Myanmar on September 5 for a three-day visit, his first bilateral visit to Indias neighbour in the North-East. He is visiting Myanmar at the invitation of President U Htin Kyaw. The Prime Minister will hold discussions with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of mutual interest. Apart from his engagements in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, he will also visit Yangon and Bagan and address the Indian community in Myanmar. He will also review the progress of the ongoing projects in Myanmar which have been undertaken with Indias assistance. As the new government in Myanmar has laid stress on sectors like energy, power, communication and trade, it would be for India to hold discussions with the leaders in Myanmar to work out the modalities of offering assistance in projects. Myanmar has been an important partner in Indias Act East policy and is also a partner of BIMSTEC grouping.
Indias four north-eastern states share 1,600 km-long border with Myanmar and both the countries have shared traditional ties of kinship.
Replying to questions, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh-Myanmar) said the issue of Rohingya refugees could also come up for discussion as their plight and situation in Rakhin state was of great concern to India.
