Brasilia, July 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto into the BRICS alliance as a full member during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this on Monday (Indian time), emphasizing India's increasing diplomatic influence and vital role in shaping multilateral forums.

During a special media briefing regarding the Prime Minister's involvement, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, mentioned, "The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Lula for his generous hospitality and warmly welcomed President Prabowo's entry into BRICS as a full member."

Moreover, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shared on X, "With the theme 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,' I, alongside leaders from member nations, discussed various global challenges while devising strategies to bolster the role and solidarity of Southern countries in the future."

"Indonesia is dedicated to advocating for equitable and inclusive global collaboration, along with promoting national interests in sectors like economy, finance, education, and technology. This dedication aligns with the core themes of BRICS discussions, focusing on enhancing the multilateral framework to achieve sustainable global prosperity," he added.

Ravi highlighted the importance of the summit, noting that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greatly valued Prime Minister Modi's presence at the gathering.

"The Prime Minister's visit elevated the entire summit. It underscores how much President Lula values India's contribution and the fact that India is set to assume the presidency next year. PM Modi's participation carries significant weight in this context," he stated.

As a founding member of BRICS, Prime Minister Modi's involvement was particularly impactful, especially with India preparing to take on the chairmanship of the bloc in 2026.

The summit, themed 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,' occurred amid significant global changes.

Ravi remarked, "This two-day summit holds substantial importance in light of rapidly evolving global circumstances."

This year's BRICS Summit featured an expanded format, illustrating the group's increasing relevance in international relations.

Ravi pointed out that participation was noteworthy, with 11 permanent members, nine partner nations, eight invitee countries, and seven heads of international organizations in attendance.