New Delhi, July 6 -- 'The BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good', Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several leaders of BRICS member nations gathered in Brazil to hold talks.

Upon arriving in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, PM Modi warmly greeted Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and shared a hug with him.

"Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year's BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good," PM Modi had also posted on X.

Brazil is the fourth country as part of PM Modi's 5-nation visit for the 17th BRICS Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin skipped the summit.

Sunday, July 6 m...