Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, on Sunday where he spoke about
how India has advanced the spirit of friendship, partnership, and cooperation through the body. Delivering his remarks, PM Modi said that under India's BRICS presidency, the focus has been placed on four pillars -- resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Speaking about the conflicts, PM Modi said, "Today, the global tensions are increasing, which is negatively affecting the common man. Pandemics, climate change disasters and supply chain disruptions have shown that in the current interconnected world, no crisis remains confined to a single region. Therefore, we have placed special focus on enhancing resilience within the BRICS group." He said that it is essential to identify challenges promptly, remain prepared for them, and take immediate action. He also acknowledged the group's efforts to turn the shared vision of the member states into a "win-win situation". "I can say from personal experience that the trust of Global South nations in BRICS has grown, because their voices are heard, their experiences are respected, and solutions are crafted not just for them, but with them. The strength of BRICS lies in our diversity and cooperation. We may be rooted in different realities, but together we rise through cooperation and blossom for humanity. May our diversity remain our identity, our cooperation serve as our inspiration, and our progress benefit all of humanity," said PM Modi.
PM Modi also announced an early warning system for infectious diseases, as well as new disaster management guidelines. Additionally, the BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework will help make the supply chains "more reliable and resilient".
PM Modi talks about technology and innovation among BRICS nations
Under the umbrella of innovation, PM Modi said that the BRICS Incubator Network will connect startups and incubators of the member states. He said that India has proposed the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to promote innovative and scalable solutions.
He further mentioned that the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will create new opportunities for farmers and, through this initiative, AI, geospatial technology, and digital public infrastructure will be aligned with the actual needs of farmers.
"The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can create hurdles for common growth. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology," he added.
PM Modi said that India has advanced the spirit of friendship, partnership, and cooperation through the BRICS.
"We have made efforts to ensure that BRICS cooperation is not limited to governments alone. We want our entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women, youth, and ordinary citizens to become active participants as well," the Prime Minister said.
(With agency inputs)
