Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Monday with Uruguay President Yamandu Orsi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and discussed the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders held discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

"They reviewed cooperation in the areas of digital collaboration, ICT, Digital Public Infrastructure and UPI, defence, railways, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, culture and people-to-people linkages," the MEA said in a statement.

"A key area of discussion was strengthening bilateral trade and investment. Both sides expressed interest in the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to unlock greater economic potential and trade complementarities," it added.

Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Orsi for the strong condemnation of the recent barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciated Uruguay's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to develop a forward-looking bilateral partnership.

Sharing the pictures of the bilateral meet, PM Modi wrote, "Happy to have met President Yamandu Orsi of Uruguay on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Close ties between our nations are important for the Global South."

"India is committed to doing everything possible to further deepen relations with Uruguay. In this context, we discussed how to boost cooperation in areas like trade, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, technology, defence and more. The rising popularity of Yoga in Uruguay is wonderful for boosting people-to-people ties," the post added.

Currently, PM Modi is in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit being held from July 6 to 7.