PM Modi Highlights Climate Justice as a Moral Duty at BRICS Summit for Global Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's intention to redefine BRICS during its upcoming presidency. Speaking at the summit, Modi stated that BRICS will stand for "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability." He emphasised the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, asserting that climate justice is a moral obligation for India.

Modi highlighted the importance of being prepared for unforeseen challenges. Reflecting on the COVID pandemic, he noted that viruses do not require visas, and solutions should not be limited by national boundaries. He stressed that developing nations should possess the same confidence about their future as developed countries.

BRICS Summit Attendance and Expansion

The BRICS summit in Brazil saw discussions on global challenges. However, notable absentees included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Egypt's Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Despite this, the summit proceeded with deliberations on pressing issues.

BRICS has grown into a significant coalition, uniting 11 major emerging economies. These nations collectively represent nearly half of the world's population, about 40% of global GDP, and approximately 26% of international trade. This expansion underscores BRICS' increasing influence on the global stage.

India's Vision for BRICS

During his address, Modi outlined India's potential priorities for its BRICS presidency. He reiterated the commitment to redefine BRICS with a focus on resilience and innovation. This vision aims to foster cooperation and sustainability among member nations.

Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia is set to join in 2025, further broadening the group's reach and impact.

The summit served as a platform for leaders to engage in discussions about various global issues. The absence of some key leaders did not deter the group from addressing critical challenges facing the world today.

As India prepares to take over the BRICS presidency next year, it aims to lead with a renewed focus on building resilience and fostering innovation. This approach seeks to enhance cooperation among member countries while promoting sustainable development.

With inputs from PTI