Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses the 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. The summit marked a significant milestone for the BRICS nations, as it saw the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, which reinforces the group’s dedication to promoting global cooperation and mutual growth.
In the Closed Plenary session, PM Modi underscored the necessity for a people-centered approach to tackle global challenges. He emphasized the importance of reforming multilateral institutions and highlighted that diplomacy and dialogue should be prioritized over conflict, declaring, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.”
During the Open Plenary, PM Modi discussed critical global issues such as workforce development, health security, sustainable development, and economic innovation. Here are the key highlights from his addresses at both sessions:
PM Modi’s Address at the Closed Plenary
[The following is a translation of PM Modi’s comments, originally delivered in Hindi.]
“Your Highness, Excellencies,
I sincerely thank President Putin for organizing today’s summit with great efficiency. It is a privilege to be part of this expanded BRICS family, and I extend a warm welcome to our new members.
I congratulate President Putin for his excellent leadership in steering BRICS through the past year.
We gather at a time when the world faces numerous interwoven challenges—ongoing conflicts, economic instability, the global threat of climate change, and the scourge of terrorism. The need for addressing divides, both North-South and East-West, is more urgent than ever.
Our collective agenda must focus on critical issues like inflation, food and energy security, access to healthcare, and water scarcity.
Additionally, we face new, evolving threats in the digital realm, including cyber attacks, misinformation, and the misuse of data.
BRICS must rise to the occasion and take a leading role in addressing these global issues. As an inclusive and diverse platform, BRICS has the potential to deliver impactful solutions across multiple sectors, including sustainable development, healthcare, and climate action.
We must prioritize human welfare in all our initiatives. BRICS should be seen as a force of unity, not division—upholding the common interests of humanity.
We stand firm in our belief that dialogue and diplomacy are the path forward, not conflict. As BRICS united in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, we must similarly unite to forge a path towards a secure and prosperous future for all.
On the issue of terrorism, we must adopt a unified approach to combating its financing and radicalization. Double standards must be eradicated, and we must press forward with the long-delayed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
Additionally, the governance of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence must remain a central priority for BRICS.
India is eager to welcome new nations into BRICS, and all decisions should be made with the consensus of the founding members, respecting the guiding principles established at the Johannesburg summit.
As BRICS evolves, we must advocate for necessary reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), ensuring that these reforms are implemented in a timely manner.
BRICS is not meant to replace existing global institutions but to contribute to their reform. It is equally important that we amplify the voices of the Global South, a cause that India has long championed through initiatives like the Voice of the Global South Summits and our G20 Presidency. I am pleased to see BRICS embracing this cause, particularly with the inclusion of African nations last year.
This year, Russia has invited more countries from the Global South to join our discussions, further extending BRICS’ global reach.
With its diverse membership and perspectives, BRICS serves as a beacon of positive cooperation. The mutual respect we share and our consensus-based approach will guide us toward a future of collaborative growth and shared prosperity.
As a founding member, India remains steadfast in its commitment to BRICS and will continue contributing actively to the group’s progress.
Thank you.”
PM Modi’s Address at the Open Plenary
“Your Highness, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I extend my warm congratulations to President Putin for his remarkable leadership in organizing the 16th BRICS Summit.
I am also delighted to welcome the new nations joining BRICS. With an expanded membership, BRICS now represents 40% of the global population and nearly 30% of the world economy.
Over the past two decades, BRICS has made significant strides in fostering global collaboration, and I am confident that it will continue to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of our times.
I would like to extend my special greetings to Her Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank.
In the last decade, the New Development Bank has emerged as a critical resource for the Global South, supporting transformative projects that enhance infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Initiatives such as India’s GIFT City and regional centers in Africa and Russia have expanded the bank’s reach, approving around USD 35 billion in development projects. It is essential that the NDB continues to operate on demand-driven principles to ensure its financial sustainability and market relevance.
With its expanded membership, BRICS now represents a combined economy valued at over USD 30 trillion. The BRICS Business Council and the Women’s Business Alliance have made significant contributions to strengthening economic ties and fostering partnerships across sectors.
This year, BRICS reached significant agreements on WTO reforms, facilitating agricultural trade, building resilient supply chains, advancing e-commerce, and promoting Special Economic Zones. It is critical that we continue to focus on the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of our economies.
I am also proud to announce the launch of the BRICS Startup Forum, a proposal first put forward during India’s presidency in 2021. In addition, India’s Railway Research Network initiative is enhancing logistics and connectivity among BRICS nations, while our partnership with UNIDO to prepare the workforce for Industry 4.0 represents a significant milestone in global collaboration.
The BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, launched in 2022, is playing a pivotal role in improving health security across BRICS nations. India is eager to share its advancements in Digital Health with our BRICS partners to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Climate change remains an urgent issue for all of us. I welcome the agreement on the BRICS Open Carbon Market Partnership under Russia’s leadership. In India, we are committed to green growth and climate-resilient infrastructure. Our initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, and Mission LiFE, reflect our commitment to global environmental goals.
During COP-28, we launched the Green Credit initiative, and I invite all BRICS nations to join India in this important endeavor.
Infrastructure development is another critical priority for BRICS. India’s Gati-Shakti digital platform has transformed multimodal connectivity, enabling efficient infrastructure planning and reducing logistics costs. We are eager to share our experiences with other BRICS nations to enhance regional connectivity.
Financial integration is key to the future of BRICS. Facilitating trade in local currencies and advancing cross-border payment systems will enhance economic collaboration among member nations. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has proven to be highly successful, and we look forward to expanding its adoption across BRICS.
India is fully committed to advancing cooperation within BRICS. Our diversity and multipolarity are our greatest assets, and together, we will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.
Thank you for today’s fruitful discussions.
As the next President of BRICS, I wish President Lula every success in his leadership. India will provide full support to ensure the success of your presidency.
Once again, thank you to President Putin and all the esteemed leaders.”
