Agencies | New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for greater resilience and cooperation among BRICS nations, saying pandemics, climate disasters and supply-chain disruptions have demonstrated that in an interconnected world, no crisis can remain confined to a single region.
Addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Modi said the grouping had placed special emphasis on strengthening resilience and urged member countries to identify emerging challenges early, prepare adequately and respond swiftly.
Welcoming leaders and delegates to the summit, the prime minister said the BRICS gathering brought together diverse cultures and perspectives from across the world.
“The Global South is heard in BRICS,” Modi said.
Under India’s BRICS chairship, the grouping focused on the themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, Modi said.
He announced an agreement on a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System aimed at strengthening the prevention of and response to infectious diseases.
Guidelines for Early Warning Data Integration have also been prepared to strengthen cooperation in disaster management.
Modi said the proposed BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Operation Framework would help make supply chains more reliable and resilient, particularly in the face of disruptions affecting global trade.
The grouping has also proposed a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support innovative and scalable solutions. The BRICS Incubator Network, he said, would facilitate greater collaboration among startups and incubation centres across member countries.
The prime minister also highlighted the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, which he said could create new opportunities for farmers.
Under the initiative, technologies such as artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and digital public infrastructure would be integrated with the practical capabilities and needs of farmers.
The initiative is aimed at promoting technology-driven solutions while ensuring that digital tools respond to the actual requirements of the agricultural sector.
Modi had chaired the BRICS session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” on September 12 as part of the 18th BRICS Summit.
In his remarks, he said the Global South was in the “front row” of global crises but the “back row” of decision-making, and called for the existing “pyramid of privilege” to be transformed into a “platform of partnership”.
He argued that global governance structures must reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities, with greater representation for developing countries, particularly in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
Modi also called for efforts to help countries of the Global South move from being rule-takers to rule-shapers.
Through BRICS, Modi said, young diplomats and policymakers from the Global South could be provided with negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise.
Such initiatives, he said, could help strengthen the capacity of developing countries to participate more effectively in shaping international rules and institutions.
The prime minister also highlighted the contribution of seafarers to global trade, noting that despite their critical role in sustaining international commerce, they often do not receive adequate support.
Modi said India’s BRICS presidency had focused on translating a shared vision into “win-win collaboration” through cooperation and support among member countries.
