Days ahead of the BRICS Summit in his country, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday asserted that the grouping is not “anti-West”, but is just “non-West”, also recalling that this is member state India’s stand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.

At an interaction with a group of foreign journalists here, Putin said the doors of BRICS were not closed to new members. He said as the grouping develops even the non-member countries will benefit economically.

He accused the United States of trying to stem development in China. “It’s like telling the sun not to rise,” he said. Asked if there was a timeline for the war in Ukraine to end, Putin said setting one will be difficult and counterproductive. He said Russia will prevail.

Meanwhile, China on Friday announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend next week’s BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia during which he will hold in-depth talks with various leaders besides delivering important speeches.

Xi will attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a brief announcement here.

Later, elaborating on Xi’s participation at the regular media briefing, another spokesperson of the Ministry Mao Ning said during the summit Xi will attend the events including small-group and large-group talks and BRICS Plus Dialogue and deliver important addresses.

“He will also have in-depth exchanges with other leaders on the international landscape, the BRICS practical cooperation, the development of BRICS mechanism and important issues of mutual interest,” she said.