New Delhi, July 7 -- India and China are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive global growth and innovation as the two nations are the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Lan Fo'an in Rio de Janeiro. "The two leaders recalled their last meeting in Samarkand in September 2024 on the sidelines of the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) Annual Meetings," the finance ministry said in a post on X. Sitharaman met Fo'an on the sidelines of the Brics finance ministers and central bank governors meeting on Saturday. Brics comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. "FM Smt. @nsitharaman highlighted that India and China can strengthen collaboration across a wide range of areas due to the common, rich human capital, deep civilizational ties, and expanding economic influence," the ministry said. Sitharaman suggested that deeper engagement between the two countries can help to amplify the voice of developing economies, and shape global narratives that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the Global South, it added. Next day, she met Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov on the sidelines of the Brics meeting and discussed India-Russia long standing partnership. "FM Smt. @nsitharaman also expressed gratitude for the support extended by President H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin after the #PahalgamTerrorAttack," the ministry said in another post. The Union finance minister observed that India and Russia enjoy exemplary levels of mutual trust and understanding and our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains resilient and steadfast, it said. She congratulated Russia for its successful chairship of the Brics 2024 and said India will continue to leverage the Brics platform to build South-South cooperation in areas of common interest. They also discussed modalities of various initiatives recently taken up in Brics. "The two sides also discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including cooperation in the financial sector, along with matters related to NDB," it added. NDB or the New Development Bank, is multilateral development bank established by the Brics nations. FM also held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian finance minister Haddad Fernando and the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including, South-South cooperation, amplifying the voice of the Global South, COP30 and climate finance issues, and engagement in regional and global forums such as the United Nations, G20, Brics and WTO. "Appreciating the deep work by Brazil during its Brics Chairship, including commitment to a multipolar world order, and expansion of Brics, FM Smt. @nsitharaman said India supports the agenda and priorities set by Brazil, and hopes to carry forward the outcome-oriented cooperation when India takes over the Chairship in January 2026," the ministry said in another post....