New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, the Philippines and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday.
During his meeting with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, Modi reviewed bilateral ties and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy, agriculture, healthcare and digital technology. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Nigeria strategic partnership and promoting the interests of the Global South.
Modi also met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation. The leaders discussed global issues and agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums. Modi invited South Africa to consider joining the International Big Cat Alliance following the successful translocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India.
In his meeting with Ugandan Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Modi discussed strengthening cooperation through technology partnerships, capacity building, investment and private-sector collaboration. He reaffirmed India’s support for Uganda’s Vision 2040. Modi also met Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., welcoming the Philippines’ participation in the summit as ASEAN chair. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in defence, trade, space, infrastructure, education, tourism and technology, while advancing their strategic partnership.
During his meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Modi recalled India’s longstanding civilisational ties with Kazakhstan. The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity, energy, critical minerals, emerging technologies and other areas, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
