Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 11 (ANI): Welcoming India’s role as the host of the 18th BRICS Summit, Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK) President Jose Charles Martin on Friday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic balancing act with major world powers, emphasising that strategic non-alignment is crucial for the nation's long-term economic trajectory.
Speaking to reporters in Ramanathapuram, the political leader backed India's multi-aligned foreign policy and extended a formal welcome to international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, attending the summit in New Delhi.
Speaking to ANI, the LJK chief emphasised that maintaining equitable, independent relationships with global powers like the United States, China, and Russia is vital for national stability, warning against taking sides in geopolitical blocs. He noted that a steady, neutral foreign policy serves as a cornerstone for India's goal of transforming into a fully developed economy by 2047.
“It is really a great initiative that the Prime Minister has taken regarding maintaining international relationships with countries such as the United States, China, and Russia. It is very important that we maintain a neutral position with all countries. We cannot take sides, as we are in a position where this balanced stance will help us become a developed nation by 2047," he said.
Welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, the LJK leader expressed optimism that the summit will unlock high-value international business partnerships and trade opportunities.
"We must maintain good relationships, and we welcome the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on his visit here. We hope that significant business collaboration takes place," he added.
Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks, a day ahead of the formal opening of the 18th BRICS Summit.
According to sources, among the likely points for discussion is the achievement of an ambitious bilateral trade target. The two countries have aimed to achieve a bilateral trade of USD 100 billion by 2030.
Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had called for an accelerated India-Russia economic and industrial partnership, urging businesses from both countries to work towards achieving the USD 100 billion target in bilateral trade by 2030.
Addressing the INNOPROM India 2026 Co-Chair Plenary Session alongside Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov in New Delhi, Goyal said increasing bilateral trade from the current level of around $60 billion to $100 billion would require adding nearly $40 billion over the next four years and sustaining double-digit annual growth.
Sources said the success of INNOPROM in India is also on the agenda of the discussion between the Russian President and PM Modi. Bringing INNOPROM to India has paved the way for expanding Industrial cooperation with Russia, more collaboration in the rail sector and tunnelling, developing the steel value chain, creating more B2B opportunities and broadening access to the Russian market. (ANI)
"Balanced stance will help India become developed nation by 2047": LJK President Jose Charles Martin backs strategic neutrality at BRICS 2026
