Rio de Janeiro/New Delhi, July 8 – At the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s firm stance on climate change and health security, describing them as key components of the nation's global vision. As India prepares to assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2026, Modi announced that the country will steer the group toward a renewed, people-centric vision with the theme “Humanity First.”
During Monday’s BRICS session focused on environment, COP-30, and global health, the Prime Minister applauded the forum’s commitment to prioritizing critical global challenges. He emphasized that for India, climate justice is not just a policy choice but a moral obligation, and protecting the environment is about maintaining harmony between life and nature—not merely managing energy concerns.
As per agency report, Modi stressed that under India’s leadership, BRICS will work to amplify the voice of the Global South, focusing on inclusive, citizen-driven progress. He envisioned a new BRICS identity rooted in resilience and innovation for cooperation and global stability.
Following his participation in the summit, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Brasília, where he is scheduled to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
In his address, Modi reiterated India’s dedication to climate goals and detailed the country’s initiatives to support sustainable development. These include the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, the International Big Cat Alliance, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the culturally significant “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree-planting campaign.
Modi proudly stated that India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, has already met the targets set under the Paris Climate Agreement ahead of schedule. He called for increased affordable finance and technology transfer to help developing countries tackle climate change and hailed the newly adopted BRICS Climate Finance Framework as a vital step in this direction.
Addressing global health concerns, the Prime Minister referenced India’s commitment to the principle of “One Earth, One Health.” He noted India’s proactive role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its successful implementation of digital health solutions, which it is ready to share with other Global South nations.
Modi welcomed the BRICS announcement of a partnership aimed at eliminating socially determined diseases and extended his gratitude to President Lula for hosting a successful summit and providing warm hospitality. He also thanked Brazil for organizing a session on such globally relevant themes, which he described as essential for the future of humanity.
