The Indian leader told thanked Putin for his strong friendship and praised Russia’s growing cooperation and noted the evolution of BRICS as a strong financial and political block.

The BRICS summit in Russia will be the "the largest foreign policy event ever held" by Russia, Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov has said. The summit with include 36 countries with over 20 represented by heads of state. Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned the BRICS summit as a counterweight to the West.

The summit, which leaders from two dozen nations will attend, is the largest event Russia has hosted in years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit that began on October 22 and will conclude on October 24. On his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi received a grand welcome with beats of dhols and a large gathering from the Indian diaspora in Russia.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and a delegation of ministers have landed in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit taking place from October 22-24.

The Russian nationals on Tuesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a soulful rendition of a 'Krishna Bhajan' following his arrival in Kazan.

The 16th BRICS Summit takes place in Kazan Russia and marks the first summit since the expansion of the bloc to include five additional countries.