BRICS Summit opens in China's Xiamen; PM Narendra Modi meets Xi Jinping, Putin

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in July this year is the biggest economic reform ever in India, says PM Narendra Modi at BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen.

-PM Modi meets Brazil President HE Michel Temer on the sidelines of 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China.

PM @narendramodi meeting Brazil President H.E. Michel Temer, on the sidelines of 9th #BRICSSummit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/sAz5T7W1Yu

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017

-PM Modi shares highlights of his intervention during the plenary session of the BRICS Summit in China.

Here are highlights on my intervention at the BRICS Summit plenary session. https://t.co/DRFUwh8WCk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2017

"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula," says the draft communique.

-The BRICS nations strongly deplore North Korea`s nuclear test and call for peaceful resolution of its controversial nuclear programme, according to a draft communique.

-Leaders called on states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and stern action against those from their territories: Preeti Saran.

-The move is significant as it is for the first time that there has been a specific listing of terrorists outfits at the BRICS Summit, according to Preeti Saran, MEA Secretary (East).

-''We call for expeditious finalization and adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by UNGA,'' the BRICS Declaration added.

-Shifting focus to North Korea, the BRICS leaders said, ''We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).'

-''We express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, al Qaeda and its affiliates including the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir,'' the Xiamen Declaration said further.

-''We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms & manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification,'' BRICS Xiamen Declaration said.

-BRICS leaders adopt Xiamen Declaration condemning terrorism.

-PM Modi welcomes cooperation for capacity building between BRICS and African countries in area of skills, health, infra, manufacturing and connectivity.

-A strong BRICS partnership on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the SDGs: PM Modi

-PM emphasizes need to accelerate track of cooperation in smart cities, urbanization and disaster management - continuing dialogue at Goa.

-Watch here PM Modi addressing the BRICS Plenary Session in China.

Watch Live : PM @narendramodi attends #BRICSSummit 2017 China https://t.co/o7IQcCaIFL

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017

-Here is a picture of PM Modi and other BRICS leaders at the Plenary Session of 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China.

PM @narendramodi and other #BRICS leaders at the Plenary Session of 9th #BRICSSummit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/RvHm7cQr2p

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017

-A strong BRICS partnership and innovation I am sure will be the instrument for progress, says PM Modi as he concludes his speech. 

-BRICS countries can work closely with ISA to strengthen the solar energy agenda: PM Modi

We are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty; to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education: PM Modi

-NDB has started disbursing loans in pursuit to mobilize sources of infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS countries: PM

-New BRICS development bank is helping all member states: PM

-BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation; contribute stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty: PM

-We need to mainstream our youth in our joint initiatives; scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices, says PM.

-Our women’s empowerment programmes are productivity multipliers that mainstream women in nation building, says PM Modi.

-Cooperation important for peace and development: PM Modi

-PM Modi begins his statement at Plenary Session by thanking President Xi for warm reception and excellent organisation of the Summit.

-PM Modi begins his speech at the BRICS Plenary Session in Xiamen, China.

-Our ever closer ties with rest of the world require that all 5 participating nations play a more active part in global governance: Xi Jinping. 

-China to contribute US$4 mn to NDB project preparation facility to support business operation & long term development of the bank: Chinese President.

-Pleased to note important consensus reached at leadership level on closer people to people exchanges, being translated into reality: Xi Jinping.

-China to launch plan for BRICS countries with 500 mn grant to facilitate policy exchange and practical cooperation in economy and trade: Chinese Prez.

-We should speak with one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace and development: Chinese President.

-Despite our differences in national conditions, our 5 countries are in similar stage of develpment and share same causes: Xi Jinping.

-As the world undergoes profound changes, BRICS cooperation has become more important: Chinese President Xi Jinping.

-Chinese President formally opens Xiamen BRICS Summit.  

-US, Japan discuss North Korea options including US nuclear capabilities, claims AFP quoting White House.

-PM Narendra Modi will also attend meeting with BRICS Business Council and Signing Ceremony in Xiamen BRICS Summit.

-BRICS plenary session begins in Xiamen, leaders attend BRICS Summit.

China: BRICS plenary session begins in Xiamen, leaders attend #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/tBhcoATJk4

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017

-Prime Minister Modi is likely to hold parleys with Chinese President Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen for the first time since the resolution of the two-month standoff in Doklam along Sikkim border.

-Prime Minister Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Putin and Brazilian President Temer.

-This was followed by a group photograph of the BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Michel Temer, and a subsequent restricted session, which is now underway.

-The Prime Minister arrives in Xiamen, welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

#WATCH: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Conference Center in Xiamen #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/LROnlBf2xY

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017

India-China Doklam stand-off 

PM Modi's China visit comes at a time when the two countries were locked in a verbal dual over border stand-off in Sikim. Earlier, a scheduled airport welcoming ceremony in Xiamen for Prime Minister Modi was cancelled on Sunday due to inclement weather.

"The aircraft carrying Indian PM arrived in Xiamen on Sept 3. A scheduled airport welcoming ceremony was cancelled due to heavy rainfall," People's Daily China tweeted.

Chinese President Jinping had earlier said that the BRICS must commit to engage in diplomacy to resolve "hotspot issues" for "global peace and development" and not "conflict and confrontation".

The ninth BRICS summit is set to start in Xiamen under China's Chairmanship.

The Prime Minister had said that he was looking forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes during the multilateral forum.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister said, "India had the privilege of hosting the previous Summit in Goa in October last year. I look forward to building upon the results and outcomes of the Goa Summit. I also look forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes that will support the agenda of a stronger BRICS partnership under the chairmanship of China."

The Prime Minister further stated that he will also interact with the BRICS Business Council represented by captains of industry from all five countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).