Prime Minister Modi Participates in 16th BRICS Summit

The Voice of Chandigarh:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 16th BRICS Summit held under Russia’s chairmanship today. The summit focused on vital issues including strengthening multilateralism, countering terrorism, fostering economic growth, pursuing sustainable development, and addressing the concerns of the Global South. The leaders welcomed 13 new BRICS partner countries during their discussions.

In his addresses to two sessions of the summit, PM Modi emphasized that the meeting comes at a time of global uncertainty marked by conflicts, climate challenges, and cyber threats, which place heightened expectations on BRICS. He advocated for a people-centric approach to these challenges and underscored the urgency of adopting a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.

The Prime Minister called for proactive global governance reforms and highlighted the importance of prioritizing the concerns of the Global South, recalling the Voice of Global South Summits held during India’s G-20 Presidency. He noted the positive impact of the New Development Bank’s regional presence in India’s GIFT City and emphasized BRICS initiatives aimed at economic growth, including trade facilitation in agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones. Modi stressed the need to focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and announced the upcoming launch of the BRICS Startup Forum, initiated by India, which aims to enhance the economic agenda of BRICS.

Additionally, the Prime Minister showcased India’s recent green initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, inviting BRICS nations to participate.

Concluding his remarks, PM Modi congratulated President Putin on the successful hosting of the summit and extended best wishes to Brazil as it assumes the presidency of BRICS. The summit culminated in the adoption of the ‘Kazan Declaration’.

Address of PM at the Closed Plenary may be seen here.

Address of PM at the Open Plenary may be seen here.