Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, marking a key engagement in his upcoming five-nation diplomatic tour. However, the absence of two top world leaders—Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping—is already drawing international attention.
While PM Modi will represent India in person, reports suggest that Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and China is sending Premier Li Qiang in place of Xi. This will be the first time Xi Jinping skips a BRICS Summit, and though no official reason has been cited, reports suggest domestic considerations may be behind his decision.
Putin’s absence, meanwhile, stems from the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against him. As Brazil is a signatory to the ICC, a visit could legally compel authorities to act—a risk Moscow is clearly avoiding.
BRICS: A Broader Global Bloc
Originally an informal coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has now expanded to ten members, with five new countries joining in recent years. As a bloc of major non-Western economies, BRICS is increasingly positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions.
The Rio summit is expected to focus on geopolitical realignments, economic cooperation, and the group’s evolving role on the world stage. PM Modi is also likely to hold a series of bilateral meetings with fellow leaders during the summit.
Modi’s Five-Nation Diplomatic Sprint
PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit is just one part of a packed eight-day diplomatic tour, covering Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Here’s a breakdown of his travel itinerary:
Ghana – July 2
Modi kicks off his tour with a historic visit to Ghana, marking his first-ever bilateral trip to the West African nation and the first Indian PM-level visit in over 30 years. The stop underscores India’s growing interest in strengthening ties with Africa.
Trinidad & Tobago – July 3–4
Next, the Prime Minister travels to Trinidad & Tobago, invited by PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar. This will be the first bilateral PM visit to the country since 1999, and Modi is expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament, celebrating shared cultural and historical connections.
Argentina – July 4–5
On July 4, Modi arrives in Argentina for an official visit hosted by President Javier Milei. The two leaders are expected to explore partnerships in trade, energy, and technology, as India deepens its outreach in South America.
Brazil – July 5–8
The highlight of the trip will be the BRICS Summit in Brazil, hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Modi will participate in plenary discussions, side meetings, and hold bilateral talks with key leaders during his four-day stay.
Namibia – July 9
Rounding off the tour, PM Modi will head to Namibia for a State Visit, the first by an Indian PM to the country. Hosted by President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the visit is expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, including environmental conservation, where both nations already partner on projects like cheetah rewilding.
A Diplomatic Marathon with Global Stakes
PM Modi’s tour underscores India’s efforts to broaden its global partnerships beyond traditional allies, placing particular focus on the Global South. With key forums like BRICS becoming more prominent, and with notable absences like Putin and Xi, this year’s summit could reshape diplomatic equations both within the bloc and beyond.
As India looks to assert itself on the world stage, this multi-nation trip signals a clear intent: to stay visible, engaged, and influential in a shifting global order.
