New Delhi, Sep 12 (KNS): BRICS countries on Saturday reached consensus on a joint statement after prolonged negotiations, as leaders of the grouping gathered in New Delhi for the second day of the 18th BRICS Summit amid conflicts in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The agreement was reached after negotiations continued until early Saturday, with India leading consultations among member countries to bridge differences on contentious issues, according to reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the summit, as leaders and delegations began arriving for the day's proceedings.

The summit's agenda includes discussions on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism, besides a visit to the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a leaders' family photograph and a joint tree plantation programme. Modi is also scheduled to host a gala dinner for the visiting leaders in the evening.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day for the summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years. He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Xi's visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by India and China to stabilise ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The two countries have since held several rounds of diplomatic and military-level talks to ease tensions along the Line of Actual Control.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Modi also held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, with discussions covering defence, capacity building, investment, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare.

India and Vietnam also discussed strengthening defence and security cooperation, including a proposed 2+2 mechanism, as well as cooperation in energy, rare earths and space. Modi said the two countries are working towards increasing bilateral trade to USD 25 billion by 2030.

The BRICS summit brings together leaders of the expanded grouping at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with trade, investment, global governance, energy security and the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia among the key issues under discussion.

India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year, is seeking to advance cooperation among member states while strengthening the voice of developing countries in global institutions.(KNS)