Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit, underscored India's focus on climate change and tackling global health issues.
Announcing that New Delhi will take up its turn as BRICS chair next year, he said his government will undertake the role of leadership with a new, people-centric vision based on the motto of "Humanity First."
Following the end of what he called a "very productive" trip to Rio, the Prime Minister went on to Brasília for bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to take India-Brazil relations forward.
Addressing the BRICS session on Environment, COP-30, and Global Health, Modi welcomed the bloc's focus on some of the world's most critical issues such as sustainability and healthcare. He reaffirmed that India considers climate justice a "moral imperative," not a matter of policy.
"It is not merely about energy for us, it is a question of living in harmony and balancing life with nature," Modi told the gathering. He pointed out India's historical emphasis on protecting the environment and sustainable development.
As the new chair of BRICS in 2026, Prime Minister Modi declared that India will embrace a future-oriented agenda that puts the Global South's interests at the forefront. He launched a new vision for the group, renaming BRICS as an acronym for Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.
Welcoming President Lula on the success of this year's summit organisation, Modi also thanked Brazil for its leadership and hospitality.
The BRICS environment and health session was graced by the presence of member countries, partner nations, and other guest delegations. Modi expressed gratitude to Brazil for hosting the discussion on such internationally important matters.
He emphasized how for India, conservation of the environment is about so much more than energy—it's about maintaining the natural order that keeps life going. Emphasizing India's model for climate justice, he added, "That I won't tolerate, is that in order for me to dislike, I have to care first. And I don't care. What am I supposed to care about? That I got wronged by (other people)? Lots of people get wronged."
Renewing India's green pledges, the Prime Minister enumerated a string of global and national programs focused on striking a balance between growth and environmental stewardship. These are the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Big Cat Alliance, and initiatives such as Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Though India today is the fastest-growing large economy, Modi noted that it has already surpassed its Paris Agreement goals earlier than planned. He urged developed countries to facilitate technology transfer and access to low-cost financing so that developing nations are able to take adequate climate action. He appreciated the BRICS Framework Declaration on Climate Finance as in the right direction.
Moving on to health, Modi described India's embrace of the principle of One Earth, One Health, which became particularly clear through the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that India had been able to implement mass digital health systems and is prepared to share its achievements with other Global South countries.
"Today, the world's largest health insurance programme 'Ayushman Bharat' is operating in India, and it has become a lifeline for more than 500 million people," Modi stated. "An ecosystem for such traditional systems of medicine as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha has been developed. With Digital Health initiatives, we are providing healthcare services to more and more people through the remotest parts of the nation.". We would be more than glad to present India's achievements in all these sectors.
He also welcomed the new joint statement, the BRICS Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, and commended the BRICS Vaccine Research & Development Centre that was inaugurated in 2022 as an important step towards intensified cooperation in health.
At the conclusion of his speech, Modi reiterated India's commitment to taking BRICS forward in its next chairmanship by promoting inclusivity, strength, and a people-centered development model.
"During our BRICS chairmanship next year, we will remain engaged closely on all major issues. Our effort would be to redefine BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability," he stated. "Just as we took the theme of inclusivity to our G-20 Presidency and put the issues of the Global South at the center of the agenda, likewise, under our BRICS Presidency, we will take forward this forum on a people-centered agenda and the philosophy of 'Humanity First'.
He concluded with a word of appreciation: "Once again, I offer my warm congratulations to President Lula on this successful BRICS Summit. Thank you very much."
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