Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, represented India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet in Brasilia, Brazil. During the meeting, Gadkari articulated India's vision for developing sustainable, resilient, and integrated transport infrastructure. He highlighted key initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, including PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala.

Gadkari emphasized India's commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready transport ecosystem. He shared that these initiatives are pivotal in strengthening regional connectivity and creating an integrated multimodal transport network that drives inclusive growth across the country.

The BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet serves as a platform for member nations to collaborate on developing sustainable infrastructure and improving global transport logistics. BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a major group of emerging economies. Together, BRICS countries represent 41% of the global population, account for 24% of the world's GDP, and hold a 16% share in global trade. India's active participation in the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet underscores its role in global development and infrastructure leadership.

Gadkari outlined India's strategic vision for a modern transport ecosystem that is not only environmentally sustainable but also resilient and multimodal. He emphasized the need for integrated infrastructure planning that supports economic growth and enhances connectivity on both regional and global levels.

Gadkari also drew attention to several landmark initiatives that have redefined India's approach to transport and logistics:

• PM GatiShakti: A holistic infrastructure development plan that promotes seamless coordination between various sectors to boost logistics efficiency.
• National Logistics Policy: Aims to reduce logistics costs and make Indian goods more competitive in global markets.
• Bharatmala Project: Focused on the construction of economic corridors, border roads, and expressways to strengthen India's highway network.
• Sagarmala Programme: Enhances port connectivity and promotes coastal shipping, further integrating maritime logistics.

These initiatives reflect India's proactive stance on adopting cutting-edge technology, reducing carbon footprints, and creating infrastructure that can withstand the demands of the future. Gadkari reiterated that India's approach places equal importance on economic development and environmental sustainability.