NEW DELHI, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday left here for Brazil to attend the five-nation BRICS Summit, his first visit abroad since taking office, said official sources.
Modi is accompanied by Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
In a pre-departure statement, Modi said he looks at the BRICS Summit as an opportunity to discuss with his BRICS partners "how we can contribute to international efforts to address regional crises, address security threats and restore a climate of peace and stability in the world."
"I also look forward to our discussions to further advance intra-BRICS economic cooperation and our collective efforts to advance global economic stability and prosperity.
"In particular, I look forward to the successful conclusion of major BRICS initiatives, like the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which have seen significant progress since their launch in New Delhi in 2012. These initiatives will support growth and stability in BRICS and also benefit other developing countries," he said.
Modi said the Summit theme, "Inclusive Growth; Sustainable Development," will "enable us to shape the post-2015 Development Agenda being discussed in the United Nations."
He went on to say the Summit "will also be an occasion for my first meetings as prime minister with the leaders of our important global partners - Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa. I look forward to meaningful meetings with them to intensify bilateral relations and exchange views on global and regional developments."
The prime minister also said he also looks forward to meeting the heads of the South American countries.
"India has traditionally enjoyed close, cordial and mutually beneficial ties with these countries. We share common aspirations and challenges. The Indian Diaspora in these countries also serves as the continent's enduring link with India," Modi said.
"South America's all round progress makes it a potentially important pole of the global economy and a land of enormous opportunities for us. My interactions would enable us to explore new ideas on further consolidating and expanding our ties with South America," he said.
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