Prime Minister Narendra Modi today strongly pitched for “single-minded” focus and “strong support” from all in tackling terrorism and said there is no room for “double standards” in dealing with the challenge. In an address at the 16th BRICS summit, PM Modi also underlined the need to take “proactive steps” to prevent radicalization of youth.
Here is PM Modi’s full speech at the BRICS summit.
Maharani,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Congratulations to President Putin for the excellent organization of the 16th BRICS Summit.
And, once again, a warm welcome to all the new friends who have joined BRICS. In its new avatar, BRICS accounts for 40 per cent of the world’s humanity and about 30 per cent of the global economy.
BRICS has made many achievements in the last almost two decades. I am confident that in the coming times this organization will emerge as a more effective medium to face global challenges.
I would also like to convey my hearty congratulations to Her Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank.
Friend,
Over the last 10 years, this bank has emerged as an important option for the development needs of the countries of the Global South. The activities of this bank have been boosted by the opening of GIFT or Gujarat International Finance Tech City in India as well as regional centers in Africa and Russia. At the same time, development projects worth about $35 billion have been approved. NDB should continue to operate on the basis of demand driven principle. And, ensuring long-term financial stability, healthy credit rating and market access should remain a priority while expanding the bank.
Friend,
In its newly expanded avatar, BRICS has emerged as a $30 trillion-plus economy. The BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance have played a special role in enhancing our economic cooperation.
This year, the consensus reached within BRICS on WTO reforms, trade facilitation in agriculture, flexible supply chains, e-commerce and special economic zones will strengthen our economic cooperation. Amidst all these initiatives, we should also pay attention to the interests of small and medium industries.
I am glad that the BRICS Startup Forum, proposed during India’s Chairmanship in 2021, will be launched this year. The Railway Research Network initiative taken by India is also playing an important role in enhancing logistics and supply chain connectivity among the BRICS countries. This year, the consensus reached by BRICS countries in collaboration with UNIDO to prepare skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 is quite significant.
The BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, launched in 2022, is helping to enhance health protection across all countries. We will be happy to share India’s successful experience in digital health with BRICS partners.
Friend,
Climate change has been a matter of our common priority. The consensus reached for the BRICS Open Carbon Market Partnership under the chairmanship of Russia is welcome. In India too, special emphasis is being laid on green growth, climate resilient infrastructure and green transition. In fact, India has taken many initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission Life i.e. Lifestyle for Environment, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Last year, during COP-28, we launched an important initiative called Green Credit. I invite BRICS partners to join these initiatives.
Special emphasis is being laid on building infrastructure in all BRICS countries. We have set up a digital platform called Gati-Shakti Portal to rapidly expand multi-modal connectivity in India. This has helped in planning and implementation of integrated infrastructure development and reduction in logistics costs.
We would be happy to share our experiences with you all.
Friend,
We welcome efforts to enhance financial integration among BRICS countries.
Trade in local currencies and smooth cross-border payments will strengthen our economic cooperation. The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) developed by India is a huge success story and has been adopted in many countries.
Last year, it was also launched in the UAE in collaboration with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. We can also cooperate with other BRICS countries in this field.
Friend,
India is fully committed to enhancing cooperation under BRICS. Our strong belief in our diversity and multipolarity is our strength. It is our strength, our shared faith in humanity, that will help shape a prosperous and bright future for the generations to come.
I thank everyone for today’s extremely important and valuable discussion. As the next Chair of BRICS, I extend my warmest wishes to President Lula. India will extend its full support to the success of your BRICS Presidency.
Once again many thanks to President Putin and all the leaders.
(This is an approximate translation of the Prime Minister’s remarks. The original remarks were given in Hindi.)
