Moscow, Dec. 25 (ANI): India and Russia expressed their commitment to the progressive development of cooperation within BRICS and the strengthening of its global role.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the outcomes of the 7th BRICS summit in Ufa and stressed the importance of the documents adopted: the Ufa Declaration, the Ufa Action Plan, and the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership.

The two nations agreed to ensure, throughout the upcoming Indian presidency, continuity in the implementation of the agreements reached, further coordination of activities in the international arena, and to strengthen the strategic partnership between BRICS countries. The two sides also emphasised their mutual commitment to expand intra BRICS cooperation in various fields including industry.

The two leaders also noted the strong role played by Russia and India in the New Development Bank which will give a new impetus to the financing of major development projects.

India and Russia further emphasised the intention to deepen their interaction aimed at strengthening the role and authority of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

They agreed to work together to increase the effectiveness of joint efforts in the SCO framework to counter threats and challenges to security, including those emanating from the territory of Afghanistan, and to enhance economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the region.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep appreciation of the role played by Russia as Chair of the SCO in this regard. Both sides agreed to work together to finalise legal, financial and administrative aspects of India’s accession to the Organization.

Beyond the BRICS and SCO, the two leaders agreed to increase cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and contribute to strengthening the leading mechanisms of practical interaction on identifying ways and means to maintain peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.

Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin also expressed satisfaction at the significant progress and achievements of the East Asia Summit (EAS) over the past ten years, and concurred that the EAS should continue to be a Leaders-led forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.

They took note of the progress made in the development of the Eurasian Economic Union and negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and expressed their willingness to work towards strengthening regional and global economic integration, further economic cooperation and equitable economic development in the region.