A significant moment that evoked national pride and respect transpired on Wednesday during the BRICS summit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased a remarkable act of reverence towards the Indian Tricolor during the group photo session.
In an unexpected yet touching display, PM Modi demonstrated careful attention to the Indian flag positioned on the ground, signifying the designated standing spot for the group photo. Mindful not to step on the flag, he stooped down to lift it, keeping it closer to him throughout the event. This gesture highlighted India’s commitment to unity and cooperation among the BRICS nations, reinforcing its dedication to global welfare and economic growth.
#WATCH | Johannesburg, South Africa | PM Narendra Modi notices Indian Tricolour on the ground (to denote standing position) during the group photo at BRICS, makes sure to not step on it, picks it up and keeps it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa follows suit. pic.twitter.com/vf5pAkgPQo
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed PM Modi’s sentiment by similarly lifting the South African flag placed on the ground, aligning himself with the spirit of solidarity that the act represented. This incident resonated with the overarching theme of the BRICS summit, emphasising unity and collaboration among member countries.
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, where they reviewed the progress achieved in bilateral relations, encompassing various domains like defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral matters and explored avenues to fortify the voice of the Global South.
PM Modi, speaking at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue, expressed his optimism regarding India’s economic trajectory, projecting the nation’s path towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and a significant growth engine for the world. He attributed this bright outlook to the ongoing “mission-mode” reforms that have significantly improved the ease of doing business in India.
He extended an enthusiastic invitation to business leaders to partake in India’s development journey, emphasising the potential of harnessing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for BRICS and spotlighting India’s strides in the realm of digital payments. The BRICS summit, the first in-person meeting since 2019, has laid the groundwork for collaborative endeavours among its member nations. PM Modi’s respectful gesture towards the Indian flag encapsulated the essence of unity and progress that the summit endeavours to cultivate.
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