BRICS Summit 2017 highlights: GST is India’s biggest ever economic reform, says PM Modi

Read highlights of the BRICS Summit here

3:45 pm: PM Modi said, “The Goods and Services Tax is India’s biggest economic reform ever.” He also said that programs like Digital India, Start-Up India and Make in India are changing economic landscape of India. These programs are helping turn India into a knowledge based- skill supported- technology driven society. Also Read | Full text of BRICS leaders’ declaration signed at Xiamen, China 

(Source: ANI photo)

3:25 pm: PM Modi is now at BRICS leaders dialogue with BRICS Business Council in Xiamen.

(Source: ANI photo)

(Source: ANI photo)

3:17 pm: PM Modi is now holding bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China’s Xiamen.

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of #BRICSSummit in China’s Xiamen pic.twitter.com/oBfTd8KpTs

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017

3:04 pm: External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, “A partnership based on a common global vision & shared democratic values. PM @narendramodi engages with Brazilian President @MichelTemer.”

A partnership based on a common global vision & shared democratic values. PM @narendramodi  engages with Brazilian President @MichelTemer pic.twitter.com/ifoEyCDygj

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2017

3:02 pm: PM Modi and Michel Temer discussed a partnership based on a “common global vision”.

3:00 pm: PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Michel Temer on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Xiamen.

(Source: Twitter/PIB_India)

2.00 pm: BRICS leaders condemned North Korea’s nuclear test. In a statement, it said: “We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned.”

12.45 pm: If you’re just joining us, here’s an update on what’s happened at the BRICS Summit in China so far. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, South Africa and India landed in Xiamen on Sunday ahead of the commencement of the Summit, hosted by China. This morning, the leaders met for a plenary session, where they discussed issues of international relevance. Following the meeting, they released the Xiamen declaration, in which they have condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Further, they expressed concern over the security situation in the region, including violence by Pakistan-sponsored groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

12.21 pm: In their declaration, BRICS leaders express concern on the security situation in region, and violence by terror groups such as the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM.

12.20 pm: The BRICS leaders have condemned terrorist attacks worldwide, including those in BRICS countries. They condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestation whereever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification for any act of terror. They reaffirmed that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable.

11.15 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

PM @narendramodi meeting Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of 9th #BRICSSummit in Xiamen, China pic.twitter.com/o6t5zHk0ek

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 4, 2017

Read | BRICS Summit diary: Xiamen might be a washout

11.06 am: On Sunday, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, Xi and Putin met to discuss North Korea’s latest nuclear test. North Korea on Sunday claimed to have “successfully” tested its sixth and most powerful nuclear missile.

10.20 am: Watch this Chinese reporter from China Radio sing a Hindi song during the BRICS Summit!

#WATCH: Reporter with China Radio, Tang Yuangai sings a Hindi song during the #BRICSSummit in Xiamen (China) pic.twitter.com/dSi3ewzYy3

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017

10.00 am: More from PM Modi’s speech: The Indian Prime Minister says BRICS nations have cooperated in diverse areas such as agriculture, culture, environment, energy and sports. He says the nations are in “mission mode” to eradicate of poverty and ensure health, sanitation, food security, skills, gender equality, energy and education. He urged leaders to consider creating a BRICS rating agency to cater to financial needs to sovereign & corporate entities of developing countries.

9.50 am: Meanwhile, on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Japanese PM Shinzo Abe regarding North Korea’s apparent nuclear missile test, and urged him to restrain his response. According to Xinhua News, the two leaders also agreed to increase military cooperation between them, reports AP.

9.40 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the leaders now. He thanks President Xi for the warm reception and the excellent organisation of the summit. “BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation; it has contributed to stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty,” he says. He adds that cooperation is important for peace and development and will be an instrument for progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit. (Source: Twitter/PIB_India)

9.33 am: In case you’re just joining us, the plenary session of the BRICS Summit is underway. Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will deliberate on significant international issues in this session, including the global economy. China, which is hosting the conference, has stressed the importance of BRICS nations standing together and lending one voice, in the wake of “profound” global changes.

Read | Xi looks to send message, PM Modi mentions peace

9.22 am: In a Facebook post ahead of his trip, PM Modi said in addition to the BRICS summit, he will be holding talks with leaders of nine countries, including the BRICS partners. He added, “India attaches high importance to the role of BRICS that has begun a second decade of its partnership for progress and peace. BRICS has important contributions to make in addressing global challenges and upholding world peace and security.”

9.18 am: Yesterday, when PM Narendra Modi landed in Xiamen, he was received by the Indian community in China. Ahead of his visit he had said he looks forward to building upon the results and outcomes of the Goa BRICS Summit, which was held last year. “India attaches high importance to BRICS, which has begun a second decade of its partnership for progress and peace,” he added.

Enthusiastic welcome of PM @narendramodi by the Indian community on his arrival in Xiamen to attend 9th #BRICS2017 pic.twitter.com/QASbVqn0Du

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2017

9.15 am: Xi says China will contribute $4 million towards the New Development Bank project, which mobilizes resources for development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies. The money will be used to support business operations and long-term development of the bank, Xi said, in his opening address at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. China also pledges 500 million yuan ($76.4 million) for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan

9.12 am: Xi, who is hosting the summit, begin delivering the opening address. He says cooperation between the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — is more important today as the world undergoes “profound changes”. He adds, “Despite our differences in national conditions, our five countries are in a similar stage of development and share the same development cause. We should speak in one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace and development.”

9.10 am: Later today, PM Modi is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Michel Temer on the sidelines of the meet. Tomorrow, he will hold talks with Xi; this is the second time the two leaders are meeting since the Doklam standoff in Sikkim began. Watch the two shake hands!

#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

9.00 am: Welcome to our live blog on the ninth edition of the BRICS Summit, held in Xiamen, China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Chinese premier Xi Jinping earlier today at the International Conference Centre, where the summit is being held.

BRICS leaders at the Summit in Xiamen. pic.twitter.com/QBhB2fdY3O

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 4, 2017

(With inputs from agencies)