Manmohan Singh arrives in China for BRICS meeting

At the summit meeting of top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), Singh is expected to make a strong pitch for coordinated efforts on major issues like energy and food security.

Singh, who arrived in this coastal city on Hainan island, will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff and South African President Jacob Zuma.

The Prime Minister will be here for three days after which he will travel to Kazakhstan as part of five-day two-nation tour. "The traditional sources of economic growth are still under stress, even as fresh uncertainties have emerged as a result of recent developments in different parts of the world," Singh had said in his departure statement in New Delhi.

The Summit is expected to discuss the volatile situation in Gulf and North African countries, including Libya, considering the feeling of uncertainty it has created with regard to energy supplies and prices, a senior official said.

Libya is an "extremely important issue" as it affects all the BRICS nations and is expected to be deliberated upon, Manbir Singh, Secretary (Economic Relations), in the External Affairs Ministry said.

"I look forward to a wide ranging exchange of views with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders on the state of world economy and the contribution which BRICS can make in sustaining the process of global economic and financial recovery," Singh said. India would like to discuss and understand the viewpoint of other member countries on the international financial and economic situation, inflation that is affecting several countries and volatility in currency.

"If we can coordinate our positions on some key areas such as sustainable development, balanced growth, energy and food security, reform of international financial institutions and balanced trade, that will be to our advantage," the Prime Minister said.

Singh, who would be attending the third summit of BRICS grouping since the first stand alone meeting in 2009, said the conclave would see the participation of South Africa for the first time.

"India welcomes South Africa's membership of BRICS, which will provide an African perspective to our deliberations", he said. During the five-day tour, Singh will also pay a two-day bilateral visit from April 15 to Kazakhstan where the two countries are expected to sign at least six pacts, including an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear cooperation.