BRICS 2024: PM Modi Showcases UPI's Success, Calls for Global Solidarity Against Terrorism | Full Speech Inside

On Wednesday, at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at both the closed and open plenary sessions. On Wednesday, during the sessions, the Kazan declaration was adopted.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of putting people first when addressing global issues during the Closed Plenary session. Multilateralism should be overhauled, he added. The Prime Minister went so far as to stress that diplomacy and open communication are key to achieving world peace. "We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war," declared the president.

Addressing the Open Plenary, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of "skilling of workforce, health security, sustainable development, economic growth and innovation" a few hours later. The complete text of Prime Minister Modi's remarks at both sessions is as follows:

Statements made by Prime Minister Modi during the 16th BRICS Summit's Closed Plenary

The monarch,

Your highnesses,

My deepest appreciation goes out to President Putin for the flawless execution of today's summit.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this inaugural meeting of the BRICS Family.To everyone who has just become a part of the BRICS family, I extend a heartfelt welcome.

I would like to extend my congratulations to President Putin on the fruitful year that Russia has spent serving as the BRICS Presidency.

Dear friends,

Tragedies like war, economic instability, climate change, and terrorism have all come at the world at the same time as our summit. Both the North-South and East-West divides are making headlines around the globe.

All nations should prioritise preventing inflation and guaranteeing food, energy, health, and water security.

Cyber deepfake and disinformation are new problems that have arisen in this technological age.

The BRICS group is under a lot of pressure right now. In my opinion, BRICS can make a beneficial impact in any field because it is a platform that welcomes and values diversity.

Regarding this, we must maintain a people-centric attitude.It is imperative that we convey to the global community the notion that the BRICS is an organisation that strives to unite, not divide, humanity.

Talks and negotiations, not conflict, have our full backing. And just as we triumphed over COVID as a nation, we can surely forge on with fresh chances to guarantee a safe, powerful, and rich future for the generations to follow.

All hands must be on deck if we are to succeed in our fight against terrorism and the funding of terrorism. On this grave issue, there can be no tolerance for partiality. To prevent our youth from becoming radicalised, we must act now.

We need to collaborate on the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which has been sitting in limbo for far too long.

Cybersecurity and safe and secure AI are other areas that require worldwide legislation.

Dear friends,

India is prepared to accept additional BRICS member nations as Partner Countries.

Decisions in this area should be made by unanimous agreement, with due regard for the opinions of the BRICS original members. All member and partner countries are expected to adhere to the guiding principles, standards, criteria, and processes that were approved at the summit in Johannesburg.

Dear friends,

As an organisation, BRICS is open to changing and adapting as needed.We must unify and speak out for changes to international institutions by setting a good example.

The United Nations Security Council, multilateral development banks, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) all need to undergo urgent change.

To keep BRICS from being seen as an organisation seeking to replace global institutions rather than reform them, we must be cautious as we move forward with our activities inside the group.

It is also important to remember the dreams, ambitions, and expectations of the southern countries. While India was the G20 President and host of the Voice of Global South Summits, these nations' voices were heard around the world.It makes me happy that BRICS is also helping to bolster these kinds of initiatives.African countries were admitted to BRICS last year.

Russia has also extended invitations to a number of southern nations this year.

Dear friends,

The BRICS grouping, which emerged from the meeting of many ideas and perspectives, serves as an example to the rest of the globe and encourages constructive collaboration.

Our cooperation is built upon our diversity, mutual respect, and heritage of consensus-based decision-making.Other countries are also being drawn to this forum by this quality of ours and our BRICS spirit. I have faith that in the future, we will all work together to transform this one-of-a-kind platform into a paradigm for communication, collaboration, and organisation.

With this in mind, India would never waver from its obligations as a BRICS Founding Member.

A heartfelt "thank you" to everyone involved.

Addressing the Open Plenary at the 16th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi said, "Your Highness,

Your highnesses,

Esteemed Colleagues,

The 16th BRICS Summit was superbly organised, and President Putin deserves our congratulations.

Also, I want to extend my sincere greetings to everyone who has recently become a member of BRICS. Forty percent of the world's population and thirty percent of the world's GDP are members of the revised BRICS.

Over the past almost twenty years, BRICS has accomplished a great deal.I have faith that this group will evolve into a more powerful tool to tackle global issues in the future.

Additionally, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the President of the New Development Bank, Her Excellency Dilma Rousseff.

Dear friends,

This bank has grown in prominence over the past decade as a viable solution to the development challenges faced by countries in the Global South.A number of regional centres in Russia and Africa, in addition to the Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT) in India, have increased the bank's activity. Plus, approximately USD 35 billion worth of development projects have been greenlit. It is imperative that NDB maintains its demand-driven approach. A strong credit rating, access to markets, and long-term financial viability should continue to be priorities as the bank expands.

Dear friends,

The BRICS countries' combined GDP has surpassed $30 trillion in its latest iteration.Our growing economic cooperation is largely attributable to the efforts of the BRICS Women Business Alliance and the BRICS Business Council.

We will enhance our economic cooperation this year thanks to the BRICS consensus on WTO changes, trade facilitation in agriculture, resilient supply chains, e-commerce, and Special Economic Zones.We must not lose sight of the needs of medium and small businesses in the middle of all these endeavours.

This year's debut of the BRICS Startup Forum, which was suggested under India's 2021 leadership, makes me happy. As part of its Railway Research Network program, India is helping to improve supply chain and logistical linkages across the BRICS nations. This year, the BRICS nations and UNIDO came to a key agreement: to train workers to be ready for Industry 4.0.

All five member nations' access to quality healthcare is improving thanks to the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, which opened its doors in 2022. We are pleased to share with BRICS partners India's track record of achievement in digital health.

Dear friends,

Combating global warming has been one of our top priorities.

It is encouraging that the BRICS Open Carbon Market Partnership has come to an agreement while Russia has been president. Green transition, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green growth are all receiving significant attention in India. Mission LIFE—Living Well for the Environment—, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam—A Tree for Mother—and the International Solar Alliance are just a few of the programs that India has embraced.

An important project called Green Credit was launched last year during COP-28.These initiatives are open to all BRICS partners.

In every one of the BRICS nations, building infrastructure is a top priority.

In order to speed up the expansion of multi-modal connectivity in India, we have created a digital platform known as the Gati-Shakti portal. As a result, logistical expenses have gone down and integrated infrastructure construction has gone more smoothly.

We are more than delighted to tell you about our experiences.

Dear friends,

The BRICS countries' initiatives to deepen their financial ties are highly appreciated.

Our economic cooperation will be strengthened through the trade of local currencies and the smooth processing of cross-border payments. Many nations have implemented the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which was developed by India. It is a great success story.

It was also launched in the UAE last year alongside His Highness Sheikh Mohamed. In this regard, we may work together with the other BRICS nations as well.

Dear friends,

India is totally dedicated to stepping up collaboration under the BRICS umbrella.

Our variety and multipolarity are strengths that we believe in strongly. Our combined resilience and faith in one another will pave the way for future generations to have a rich and glorious existence.

We have all learnt a great deal from today's discussions, and I thank you everyone.

I want to send my warmest congratulations to President Lula as the incoming head of the BRICS countries. If you want your BRICS presidency to be a success, India will back you 100 percent.

My deepest gratitude to President Putin and the other world leaders.