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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in both the Closed and Open plenary sessions of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday. During these sessions, the Kazan declaration was adopted.

In the Closed Plenary, PM Modi stressed the importance of a people-centric approach to addressing global challenges and advocated for reformed multilateralism. He underscored the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving global peace and stability, stating, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.”

Later, during the Open Plenary, PM Modi highlighted critical issues such as workforce development, health security, sustainable development, economic growth, and innovation. Below are his remarks from both sessions:

PM Modi’s Remarks at the Closed Plenary of the 16th BRICS Summit

[The following is an approximate translation of PM Modi’s comments, originally delivered in Hindi.]

“Your Highness,
Excellencies,

I extend my sincere gratitude to President Putin for the excellent organization of today’s meeting. It brings me great pleasure that we are convening for the first time as an extended BRICS Family, and I warmly welcome all our new friends.

I congratulate President Putin for Russia’s successful Presidency of BRICS over the past year.

Friends,
We are meeting at a time when the world faces numerous pressing challenges, including wars, economic instability, climate change, and terrorism. The discussions on the North-South and East-West divides are more pertinent than ever.

Addressing inflation, ensuring food security, energy security, health security, and water security must be priorities for all nations.

In this technological era, new challenges like cyber threats and disinformation have emerged.

At this juncture, BRICS is expected to play a pivotal role. As a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can contribute positively across various sectors.

Our approach must remain people-centric. We need to convey that BRICS is not a divisive organization but one that champions humanity’s interests.

We favor dialogue and diplomacy over warfare. Just as we united against COVID-19, we can certainly seize opportunities to ensure a secure, strong, and prosperous future for generations to come.

In the fight against terrorism and its financing, we require unwavering support from all. Double standards are unacceptable in this serious matter. We must take active steps to prevent the radicalization of youth in our nations.

Moreover, we need to collaborate on the long-pending issue of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN.

Likewise, global regulations on cybersecurity and safe AI are essential.

Friends,
India is ready to welcome new countries as Partner Countries in BRICS. All decisions should be reached by consensus, respecting the views of BRICS founding members. The guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures established during the Johannesburg summit must be adhered to by all members and partner nations.

BRICS is an organization poised for evolution. By setting an example, we should collectively advocate for reforms in global institutions.

We must advance in a time-bound manner towards reforming global institutions like the UN Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the WTO.

As we progress within BRICS, we should ensure it is not seen as an entity attempting to replace global institutions but rather as one that seeks to reform them.

The aspirations of the Global South must also be considered. India has elevated these voices during our Voice of Global South Summits and G20 Presidency. I’m pleased that these efforts are being reinforced within BRICS as well, especially with the inclusion of African nations last year.

This year, Russia has invited several countries from the Global South.

Friends,
The BRICS grouping, formed by a confluence of different perspectives and ideologies, serves as a beacon of inspiration, fostering positive cooperation.

Our diversity, mutual respect, and commitment to consensus are the foundations of our collaboration. This unique BRICS spirit continues to attract other nations. I am confident that we will transform this platform into a model for dialogue, cooperation, and coordination.

As a founding member, India will consistently fulfill its responsibilities within BRICS.

Once again, thank you all.”

PM Modi’s Remarks at the Open Plenary of the 16th BRICS Summit

“Your Highness,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Congratulations to President Putin for the outstanding organization of the 16th BRICS Summit.

I also extend a warm welcome to our new friends who have joined BRICS. In its expanded form, BRICS represents 40 percent of the world’s population and about 30 percent of the global economy.

Over the past nearly two decades, BRICS has achieved numerous milestones. I am confident that this organization will become an even more effective platform to tackle global challenges in the future.

I would also like to send warm greetings to Her Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank.

Friends,
In the last decade, this bank has become a vital resource for the development needs of Global South countries. The establishment of GIFT City in India, along with regional centers in Africa and Russia, has significantly enhanced the bank’s activities, resulting in development projects worth approximately USD 35 billion being sanctioned. The NDB should continue to operate based on demand-driven principles while ensuring long-term financial sustainability, maintaining a healthy credit rating, and securing market access.

In its newly expanded format, BRICS now represents an economy exceeding USD 30 trillion. The BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women Business Alliance have played a crucial role in enhancing our economic cooperation.

This year, the consensus reached within BRICS regarding WTO reforms, agricultural trade facilitation, resilient supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones will further strengthen our economic ties. We must also prioritize the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises amidst these initiatives.

I am pleased that the BRICS Startup Forum, proposed during India’s presidency in 2021, will be launched this year. The Railway Research Network initiative led by India is also making significant contributions to improving logistics and supply chain connectivity among BRICS nations. The consensus achieved this year by BRICS countries, in collaboration with UNIDO, to prepare a skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 is particularly significant.

The BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre established in 2022 is enhancing health security across all member countries. We are eager to share India’s successful experience in Digital Health with our BRICS partners.

Friends,
Climate change is a common priority for us all.

I welcome the consensus reached for the BRICS Open Carbon Market Partnership under Russia’s presidency. In India, we too are emphasizing green growth, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a green transition. Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) reflect our commitment to this cause.

During COP-28 last year, we launched the Green Credit initiative, and I invite BRICS partners to join us in these efforts.

Infrastructure development is also a key focus for all BRICS nations.

In India, we have established the Gati-Shakti portal, a digital platform aimed at rapidly enhancing multimodal connectivity. This initiative has facilitated integrated infrastructure planning and implementation, significantly reducing logistics costs.

We are keen to share our experiences with all of you.

Friends,
We welcome initiatives to bolster financial integration among BRICS countries.

Trading in local currencies and facilitating seamless cross-border payments will enhance our economic collaboration. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by India, has been a remarkable success story and is now being adopted by various nations.

Last year, we launched it in the UAE alongside His Highness Sheikh Mohamed. We can further collaborate with other BRICS nations in this regard.

Friends,
India is fully committed to advancing cooperation under BRICS.

We firmly believe that our diversity and multipolarity are our strengths. These strengths, combined with our shared commitment to humanity, will help shape a prosperous and bright future for generations to come.

I thank everyone for today’s crucial discussions.

As the next President of BRICS, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to President Lula. India will provide full support for the success of your BRICS presidency.

Once again, many thanks to President Putin and all the leaders.”

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