Prime Minister Narendra Modi left New Delhi for Brazil this morning to attend the BRICS summit on July 15 and 16. After a stopover in Berlin tonight, he will leave for Fortaleza, the north-eastern coastal city of Brazil, tomorrow to attend the five nation summit.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister said, India attaches high importance to the BRIC forum for promoting global economic growth, peace and stability.

He said that in the course of the past five summit and several ministerial and official processes, BRICS has made major strides in pursuit of these goals. Mr. Modi hoped that the meeting in Brazil will usher in the second cycle of BRICS summits.

He said that the meeting comes at a time of political turmoil, conflict and humanitarian crisis in several parts of the world and persisting weakness and risks in the global economy. The Prime Minister said that many emerging economies have experienced a slowdown, which has increased the challenge of pursuing inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He said that he looks at the BRICS summit as an opportunity to discuss with his BRICS partners how to contribute to international efforts to address regional crises, address security threat and restore a climate of peace and stability in the world.

The Prime Minister said that he looks forward to the successful conclusion of major BRICS initiative, like the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which have seen significant progress since their launch in New Delhi, 2012.

The Prime Minister said, these initiatives will support growth and stability in BRICS and also benefit other developing countries. He said that the summit will be an occasion for his first meeting as Prime Minister with the leaders of important global partners of India like Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa.

Mr. Modi said, he looks forward for meaningful meetings with them to intensify bilateral relations and exchange views on global and regional development.