Manmohan Singh to Push Growth at Durban BRICS Summit

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he looked forward to the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban in finding ways to revive growth, sustain macroeconomic stability and push investments.

In his departure statement ahead of leaving for Durban Monday, the prime minister said he hoped to discuss a host of issues with leaders of other BRICS nations, as also those from Africa invited to the summit, during his bilateral meetings on the margins of the event March 26-27.

"At a time when the world is facing multiple challenges, the Durban Summit provides a useful and timely opportunity to consult and coordinate on a broad range of issues with our BRICS partners," the prime minister said.

"We will discuss ways to revive global growth and ensure macroeconomic stability, as well as mechanisms and measures to promote investment in infrastructure and sustainable development," he added.

"India will also urge faster movement on reform of institutions of global political and economic governance. It is important that BRICS continue to consult on developments affecting global peace and security. "

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left this morning for the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban to join over the next two days the other leaders of the bloc that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Besides the BRICs leaders, notably China's newly-elected President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Manmohan Singh is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with some African leaders on the margins of the summit.

The prime minister is accompanied by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, besides senior officials.

India hosted the 4th edition of the BRICS Summit last year and the prime minister is to now hand over the chair to the summit's next hosts South Africa, led by President Jacob Zuma. He is also scheduled to call on Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

The BRICS commands over 25 percent of the world's geographical area, 43 percent of the world's population and a fifth of global gross domestic product.

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