Our Correspondent / Goa
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that BRICS nations should have one voice of peace, reform, reason and purposeful action. He said that the most serious threat to economic prosperity is terrorism and unfortunately it is emanating from India’s neighborhood, referring to Pakistan.
Welcoming the leaders, at the meeting of Heads of state and government of India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, Narendra Modi called on BRICS countries to work together for early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, CCIT and step up practical cooperation against terrorism.
He also said the New Development Bank and Contingency Reserve Arrangement stand out and BRICS have built global institutions to complement existing architecture.
He concluded by mentioning non conventional security challenges – from threats on cyberspace to piracy on seas to human trafficking.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South African President Jacob Zuma will discuss a wide range of issues in the Summit.
Global economic and political situation, terrorism, climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and increasing people to people contact form the agenda.
Earlier, the BRICS leaders were accorded a warm welcome in a ceremony.
The BRICS leaders will also hold a meeting with the BRICS Business Council where New Development Bank President K V Kamath will present a report as the Bank has completed one year since inception. This will be followed by the BRICS leaders Plenary session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has undertaken several reforms in past two years to increase ease of doing business in India.
Speaking at the BRICS Business Council this afternoon, Mr Modi said results are clearly visible and India is one of the most open economies of the world today.
Mr Modi said growth is strong and government is taking steps to keep momentum going. He said India is counting on BRICS Business Council to achieve common goal of strengthening business trade, and building investment linkages.