At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that climate justice is not merely an option for India but a moral imperative. Addressing the session on "Environment, COP30, and Global Health," Modi emphasized the intrinsic link between planetary and human well-being, asserting that India views climate justice through the lens of values rather than mere numbers.
India's commitment to environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in its ancient culture, where maintaining harmony between life and nature is paramount. Modi highlighted that India, despite being the world's fastest-growing major economy, was the first to achieve its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule. He stressed that climate action should not be confined to discussions but should translate into tangible actions, facilitated by technology transfer and affordable financing for developing nations.
During his address, Modi unveiled India's vision for its upcoming BRICS presidency, encapsulated by the theme "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability". He underscored the necessity for developing countries to have the same level of confidence in their future as developed nations. This vision aims to foster collaboration and promote sustainable practices among member states.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that viruses do not respect national borders and solutions should not be limited by them. He advocated for strengthening collective efforts to create a healthier planet, recognizing the interconnectedness of global health and environmental protection.
Modi highlighted several initiatives launched by India, reflecting its commitment to People, Planet, and Progress:
The BRICS summit in Brazil addressed various global challenges, including global governance reform, enhanced representation for the Global South, peace and security, and the strengthening of multilateralism. Discussions also encompassed development issues and the governance of Artificial Intelligence.
The BRICS coalition, now comprising 11 major emerging economies, represents nearly half of the world's population, approximately 40% of global GDP, and around 26% of international trade. Originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the group expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia set to join in 2025. This expansion underscores BRICS' increasing influence and significance on the global stage.
PM Modi pledged to prioritize the concerns of the developing world during India's BRICS chairmanship, mirroring India's approach during its G20 presidency. He reiterated India's commitment to close cooperation across all sectors, emphasizing the importance of resilience and innovation for a sustainable future.
