In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. This summit marked a significant milestone as it was the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders since 2019, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss critical global issues and foster cooperation among member nations.

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's rapid economic growth and its potential to become a global growth engine. He highlighted the country's strides in digital payments, infrastructure development, and the burgeoning startup ecosystem, noting that India is on track to become a $5 trillion economy in the near future.

In a gesture of goodwill and cultural exchange, Prime Minister Modi presented unique gifts to President Ramaphosa and First Lady Tshepo Motsepe. President Ramaphosa received a pair of Bidri work Surahis from Telangana, showcasing a 500-year-old Persian craft exclusive to India. First Lady Motsepe was gifted a traditional Nagaland shawl, reflecting the rich textile artistry of northeastern India.

The summit also witnessed the expansion of the BRICS bloc, with Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates being admitted as full members. This expansion aims to enhance the group's influence and better represent the interests of emerging economies on the global stage.

Prime Minister Modi's visit underscored India's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and its role in promoting multilateralism and economic development. The discussions and agreements reached during the summit are expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration among BRICS countries, addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable growth.