Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s endorsement of the expansion of the BRICS multilateral forum during his address at the 15th BRICS Summit’s open plenary session. He welcomed the progression towards a consensus on this matter, emphasizing India’s full support for it.
Additionally, PM Modi put forth five recommendations to the leaders of BRICS countries as part of the ongoing summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. He conveyed the idea that BRICS could signify “Breaking Barriers, Revitalising Economies, Inspiring Innovations, Creating Opportunities, and Shaping Futures.”
Highlighting the significant strides made by BRICS over its 16-year journey, PM Modi underscored the importance of preparing respective societies for the future, with technology playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. He advocated for a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium to facilitate collaborative space research and weather monitoring among the member nations.
Another proposition from PM Modi was for BRICS to contribute to global readiness for the future by leveraging technology for education and skill development. He cited the DIKSHA Portal as an example and suggested an AI-based language platform to overcome linguistic barriers.
Diversity was emphasized as a strength that had helped the member nations overcome challenges. PM Modi underscored that the solutions proposed were applicable worldwide. Furthermore, he suggested the creation of a skill-mapping tool among BRICS nations and called for joint efforts to protect biodiversity, especially the big cat populations native to these countries.
PM Modi also proposed establishing collaboration among BRICS nations in the field of traditional medicine, aiming to create a repository of such remedies. He emphasized India’s commitment to the betterment of the Global South, both within BRICS and under its G20 presidency.
In response to PM Modi’s endorsement of BRICS expansion, Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President and current BRICS chair, expressed his appreciation, stating that he was heartened by India’s support for the forum’s enlargement.
