We support dialogue & diplomacy, not war… no double standards on terror: PM Modi at BRICS Summit

And, in that context, he said, “At such a time, there are high expectations of BRICS. I believe that as a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can play a positive role in all areas.” As a BRICS founding member, he said the “approach must remain people-centric” and the message has to go to the world that “BRICS is not a divisive organisation” but one that works in the interest of humanity.

Alluding to the Russia-Ukraine war — Russian President Vladimir Putin was listening — and the conflict in West Asia, Modi said, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.”

“And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like Covid together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations,” he said.

“In order to counter terrorism and terror financing, we need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter. We need to take active steps to stop radicalisation of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism,” he said.

“The same way, we need to work on global regulations for cyber security and for safe and secure AI,” he said.

On the expansion of the BRICS, he said India is ready to welcome new countries into BRICS as partner countries, but in this regard “all decisions should be taken by consensus, and the views of BRICS founding members should be respected”.

Citing the example of BRICS as an “organisation which is willing to evolve with time” and “must collectively, and in a united manner, raise our voice for reforms of global institutions”, the Prime Minister advocated UNSC reforms.

“We must move forward in a time-bound manner on reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the WTO,” he said.

And in a cautionary note for BRICS members who are often perceived as anti-West, Modi said, “As we take our efforts forward in BRICS, we must be careful to ensure that this organisation does not acquire the image of one that is trying to replace global institutions, instead of being perceived as one that wishes to reform them.”

Welcoming efforts to “increase financial integration among BRICS countries,” he said, “Trade in local currencies and smooth cross-border payments will strengthen our economic cooperation. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) developed by India is a huge success story and has been adopted in many countries.”

“This year, the consensus reached within BRICS on WTO reforms, trade facilitation in agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce and Special Economic Zones will strengthen our economic cooperation. Amidst all these initiatives, we should also focus on the interests of small and medium scale industries,” he said.

Stating that the BRICS Startup Forum proposed during India’s presidency in 2021 will be launched this year, he said, “The Railway Research Network initiative taken by India is also playing an important role in increasing logistics and supply chain connectivity among BRICS countries. This year, the consensus reached by BRICS countries, in collaboration with UNIDO, to prepare a skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 is quite significant.”

On the Global South, he said, “The hopes, aspirations and expectations of the countries of the Global South must also be kept in mind.” He spoke about India hosting the Voice of Global South Summits and the G20 Presidency, where India put the voices of these countries on the global stage. In this context, he said last year countries of Africa were integrated into BRICS — Ethiopia and Egypt — and this year, as well, several countries of the Global South have been invited by Russia.

He also sought to portray the inclusive nature of the grouping, “The BRICS grouping, created by the confluence of different viewpoints and ideologies, is a source of inspiration for the world, fostering positive cooperation. Our diversity, respect for each other and our tradition of moving forward on the basis of consensus are the basis for our cooperation.This quality of ours, and our BRICS spirit, are attracting other countries as well to this forum. I am confident that in the times to come we will together make this unique platform a model for dialogue, cooperation and coordination,” he said.