Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the critical link between planetary and human health. Modi stressed that for India, climate justice is a moral duty and not just an option. He highlighted that India lives climate justice through values, not just numbers.
During the summit, Modi announced India's vision for its upcoming BRICS presidency, proposing to redefine the grouping as "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability". He advocated for developing nations to maintain the same level of future confidence as developed countries.
The Prime Minister drew lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. He noted that viruses do not respect borders, and solutions should not be limited by national boundaries. He also stated that the health of people and the planet are interconnected. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic taught everyone that viruses do not arrive with visas, nor are solutions chosen based on passports and that shared efforts need to be strengthened to make the planet healthier.
The BRICS summit saw discussions on various global challenges. BRICS represents a significant economic bloc, comprising 11 major emerging economies that account for 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade. The organization, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
PM Modi committed to maintaining close cooperation across all areas during India's chairmanship, promising to prioritize developing world concerns, similar to India's G20 presidency approach.
India has already demonstrated its commitment to climate action by achieving its Paris commitments ahead of schedule. At the BRICS Summit, PM Modi addressed the session 'Environment, COP30, and Global Health' and stated that climate change and environmental protection have always been subjects of the topmost priority, which has also been a part of ancient culture. He also said that, for India, climate change is not merely an issue of energy, but it is about maintaining balance between life and nature.
India is driven by the spirit of People, Planet, and Progress. India is proud to have rolled out Ayushman Bharat, the largest health coverage scheme of its kind and has leveraged the power of technology to make health systems more effective. India also has vibrant traditional systems of medicine that further wellness.
Under India's upcoming presidency of BRICS, Prime Minister Modi envisions the group focusing on 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability'. He emphasized the interconnectedness of the environment and public health and urged for equal confidence in the future among developing and developed nations.
