Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that all humanity must stand united against terrorism as BRICS leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit that will get underway here later in the day.
"We stand united in strongly condemning the dreadful acts of terror," Modi said two days after Islamic State terrorists massacred nearly 130 people in the French capital.
"Entire humanity must stand together and be one against terrorism," he added.
He said the need for a united global effort to combat terrorism has never been more urgent.
"This must also be a priority for BRICS nations," he said.
Modi said India attached the highest importance to BRICS, a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
"We want to build on the great work done by other members," he said, adding that India would be honoured to assume the BRICS chair from Russia in February 2016.
"Build responsive, inclusive and collective solutions... this will be the theme when India assumes presidency of BRICS," Modi said.
The prime minister said that BRICS has proved its relevance and value through its actions, when earlier its logic was being questioned.
"The New Development Bank, the Currency Reserve Arrangement, Strategy for BRICS Economic Cooperation - these are clear evidence of our vision and our resolve. Together, we can also give shape to G20," Modi said.
Stating that India was pleased that China would take over the presidency of G20 in December 2015, he stated: "We assure China of full support during its presidency."
Earlier report:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Turkey's Mediterranean city of Antalya on Saturday after a three-day visit to Britain for the annual G20 Summit meeting that gets underway on Sunday.
"After a successful bilateral visit to UK, it's time for the G20 Summit in Turkey. @G20Turkey2015 (sic)," PMO India tweeted soon after Air India One landed.
"Merhaba Antalya! PM @narendramodi arrives in Turkey to attend @G20Turkey2015 on the second leg of his tour (sic)," tweeted External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
Leaders expected at the G20 Summit include US President Barack Obama, Russian President , British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
French President Francois Hollande has cancelled his visit to the meet in the wake of the deadly terror attacks in Paris on Friday night.
Besides India, France, the US and Turkey, the G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Britain, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and the European Union.
Originally formed at the level of finance ministers and central bank governors in 1999 after the East Asian economic crisis, the G20 assumed significance after its elevation to a summit-level forum in 2008, following the global financial crisis.
