New Delhi,July 27: The BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue was successfully concluded on 26 July 2016 in Patna, the capital city of the State of Bihar in India. There were fruitful exchanges on strategic assessments of international situation and the regional situation of each country and trends therein, going beyond immediate issues of quotidian diplomacy. The delegations also discussed the role of BRICS in international governance, ongoing cooperation at BRICS Forum and reflected on areas of convergence among BRICS. This dialogue gave an opportunity for sharing of best practices in foreign policy planning and assessment between the BRICS countries. The quality and scope of discussions affirmed the significance of the voice of BRICS given that it is a grouping that brings together five major world economies that are home to 43% of the world population.
The discussions held in Patna would contribute towards India’s objective as Chair of BRICS for 2016 to further consolidate Intra-BRICS cooperation by adopting a five-pronged approach –
(i) Institution building to further deepen and sustain BRICS cooperation;
(ii) Implementation of the decisions of previous Summits including Hon’ble PM’s announcements at the Fortaleza and Ufa Summits;
(iii) Integrating synergies among the existing cooperation mechanisms;
(iv) Innovation, i.e., new cooperation mechanisms; and
(v) Continuity, i.e., continuation of mutually agreed existing BRICS cooperation mechanisms. In short, the ‘IIIIC or I4C’ objectives.
During their stay in Patna, the Heads of Delegations called on the Hon’ble Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar. Some delegations also took the opportunity to visit historic places of interest in the vicinity of Patna such as Nalanda and Rajgir.
This meeting held in Patna has expanded the footprint of BRICS beyond the Capital and enhanced dissemination of BRICS awareness among the people.
The delegations expressed their sincere gratitude to the Government of the State of Bihar for the warm hospitality extended to them.
