NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability as he greeted world leaders at the BRICS Summit that began in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam.
Addressing the leaders, PM Modi said BRICS nations will move ahead with consensus and not against anyone. BRICS has made its identity at world stage in the last 20 years, he said.
Pakistan is among the 29 more countries that have applied for membership in BRICS and its effort to join the bloc in 2023 is mostly driven by its economic challenges.
Even though the bloc accepted Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as four new members last year and became BRICS+, New Delhi’s veto power within the bloc has kept Islamabad outside of BRICS.
Islamabad’s application coincided with the group’s growing recognition as a prominent group representing the Global South.
The expanded bloc now accounts for around 49 per cent of the world’s population and about 40 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing power parity basis.
Bharat Mandapam Is India’s BRICS Venue, Magnificence Spread Over 123 Acres.
The state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam in the heart of Delhi has lit up to welcome the powerful figures, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping.
Located within the Pragati Maidan complex, Bharat Mandapam is spread over 123 acres and built at Rs 2,700 crore. Opened in 2023, this state-of-the-art center has now become a symbol of India’s hosting capabilities.
The complex can accommodate thousands of guests and host international events. As the venue for the BRICS summit, this complex will be the hub for the crucial meetings involving BRICS leaders and delegates over the next two days.
The name, Bharat Mandapam, was inspired by the 12th-century ‘Anubhava Mandapam’, considered one of the earliest forums for public discourse and democratic dialogue.
A magnificent Nataraja statue, standing 27 feet tall and weighing 18 tonnes, adorns the complex. One of the major attractions at this international venue, this ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) statue was crafted by artisans from Tamil Nadu.
The main convention center building is inspired by the shape of a conch shell, symbolising consciousness, energy, and an auspicious beginning.
The exteriors and interiors both offer glimpses of Indian civilization, with design elements incorporated to showcase ‘surya shakti’ (solar energy), the inspiring journey from ‘Zero to ISRO’, and the ‘panch mahabhuta’ (five elements of nature).
The International Media Center has been set up at Hall No. 5. Around 1,200-1,400 journalists from across the globe will gather here to steer their coverage. This center will serve as the source for sharing major announcements, special events, and key visuals of the BRICS Summit with the world.
The BRICS summit will focus on global issues, especially the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, the broader impact of the conflicts, and counter-terrorism policies. Global leaders and prominent figures will also share their perspectives on the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Besides, bilateral trade policies among BRICS nations may also be formulated at this summit.
Umakant Lakhera is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator
