Modi urges BRICS cooperation as geopolitical and supply-chain pressures rise
Narendra Modi has urged BRICS members to deepen cooperation on trade, health, technology and climate as global pressures mount.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged BRICS members to deepen cooperation as wars, supply-chain disruptions and climate pressures weigh on economies and households.
Addressing the BRICS summit in India on Sunday, Modi said geopolitical tensions and the use of technology and critical minerals as tools of leverage risked obstructing development and shared prosperity.
The expanded BRICS group has 11 members, including South Africa, and represents about half of the world's population. President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending the summit.
Modi said members had agreed to develop an integrated early-warning system for infectious diseases. He also called for stronger cooperation in food and energy security, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and climate action.
Push for institutional reform
India used the summit to renew calls for reforms to global bodies, including the United Nations and international financial institutions, to give emerging economies a larger role in decision-making.
Modi also backed greater use of local currencies and improved cross-border payment systems among BRICS members. The bloc has increasingly focused on trade and financial links between members, although its countries retain different economic and foreign-policy priorities.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa's participation would focus on advancing South Africa's national interests and strengthening cooperation with other BRICS countries.
The summit brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and the bloc's newer members at a time of heightened international tension and uncertainty over trade.