Prime Minister participates in the 16th BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 16th BRICS Summit held under Russia’s Chairship, in Kazan today.
The BRICS leaders had productive discussions including on strengthening
multilateralism, countering terrorism, fostering economic growth, pursing
sustainable development and bringing spotlight on the concerns of the Global
South. The leaders welcomed the 13 new BRICS partner countries.
Prime Minister addressed two sessions of the BRICS Summit. In his address, PM
noted that the Summit is happening at a time when the world is undergoing
several uncertainties and challenges including conflicts, adverse climatic
impacts, and cyber threats, placing greater expectations upon BRICS. PM
suggested that the group take a people-centric approach to tackle these
challenges. PM also underlined the need for early adoption of a Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations to combat the
menace of terrorism.
PM called upon BRICS to proactively push for global governance reforms.
Recalling the Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India during its G-20
Presidency, he stressed that the group must give primacy to the concerns of the
Global South. PM noted that the regional presence of the New Development Bank
including in GIFT city, India, has created new values and impacts. Highlighting
BRICS’ activities to foster economic growth, he emphasized that its efforts on
trade facilitation in agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce and
Special Economic Zones have generated new opportunities. He underlined the need
to prioritise small and medium scale industries. He expressed that the BRICS
Startup Forum initiated by India which is to be launched this year would add
significant value to the BRICS economic agenda.
Prime Minister elaborated on the recent green initiatives undertaken by India
including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure, Mission LIFE and Green Credit initiative announced during
COP28. He invited BRICS countries to join these initiatives.
Prime Minister congratulated President Putin for successfully hosting the 16th
BRICS Summit and conveyed wishes to Brazil as it takes over the presidency of
the group. At the conclusion of the Summit, the leaders adopted the ‘Kazan
Declaration’.