Modi plans a quick visit to Greece after attending the BRICS Summit in South Africa

In a proactive diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake two international journeys ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit. These trips will take him to South Africa, Greece, and Indonesia, where he will participate in significant regional summits and foster stronger ties between nations.

Commencing his travels, Modi will embark on a visit to South Africa from August 22 to 24, where he is slated to attend the much-anticipated BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg. This assembly holds great significance not only for the potential expansion of the BRICS coalition but also for the prospect of a bilateral dialogue between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Following his engagements in South Africa, Modi's itinerary includes an official visit to Greece on August 25, at the gracious invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This historic trip marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Athens in four decades. Reports indicate that during this visit, both countries are poised to elevate their relationship to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Leading up to India's hosting of the G20 Summit, slated for September 9-10, Modi is anticipated to travel to Indonesia from September 6 to 7. His presence at the India-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Jakarta underscores the commitment to fostering collaborative ties across the Indo-Pacific region.

In Johannesburg, Modi will converge with the leaders of Brazil, China, and South Africa at the 15th BRICS Summit. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will engage virtually, with the Russian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

This in-person BRICS Summit, the first since 2019, offers a pivotal opportunity to review the progress of joint initiatives and chart the course for future endeavors. A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes the Summit's theme, "Brics – Africa outreach and Brics plus dialogue," encompassing numerous nations primarily from the African continent, invited by South Africa.

During his stay in South Africa, Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with various leaders present at the Johannesburg summit. However, no official confirmation has been received regarding talks with Chinese President Xi.

Amidst a backdrop of heightened diplomatic activity, speculation about a meeting between Modi and Xi has gained momentum, bolstered by significant interactions between Indian and Chinese officials. The recent joint statement following discussions between Indian and Chinese military commanders on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) standoff has intensified conjecture about a potential Modi-Xi dialogue in Johannesburg.

In the context of his official visit to Greece, Modi is slated to engage in talks with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, aimed at deepening bilateral relations. Furthermore, he will interface with business leaders from both countries and address the Indian community in Greece.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlights the strengthening civilizational ties between India and Greece, underscored by collaborative efforts in maritime transport, defense, trade, investment, and people-to-people connections. This visit is poised to elevate the partnership to a comprehensive strategic level.

Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi, had previously visited Greece in January 2023, where discussions encompassed avenues for enhancing trade, economy, culture, people-to-people ties, and migration and mobility.

Looking ahead to early September, Modi's impending visit to Indonesia is set to focus on the India-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Jakarta. Discussions during this visit will emphasize the imperative of a free and open Indo-Pacific, encompassing principles such as unhindered navigation and respect for territorial sovereignty.