PM MODI's BRAZIL VISIT IS HISTORIC, RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES WILL BECOME STRONGER

Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, arrived in Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS summit. President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva gave him a warm welcome. He shook hands with PM Modi and then hugged him. This was the fourth leg of his five-nation visit. Afterwards, the Prime Minister arrived at the hotel, where the Indian community welcomed him with slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

 

The BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanded to include five additional members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, making it one of the most influential alliances of emerging economies worldwide. 

 

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brazil, new energy is visible in the relations between the two countries. Brazil and India are the founding partners of BRICS and the friendship between the two countries is more than 40 years old. This is an opportunity for both countries to enhance their technology and commitments.

ADDRESSING A SESSION ON 'ENVIRONMENT, COP-30 and GLOBAL HEALTH’ AT THE BRICS SUMMIT

 

While addressing a session on 'Environment, COP-30 and Global Health' at the BRICS Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Modi said that India will redefine the BRICS grouping under its upcoming chairmanship by focusing on "building resilience and innovation for cooperation and sustainability."

                  

"Under India's BRICS chairmanship, we will redefine BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean 'Building resilience and innovation for cooperation and sustainability'." He affirmed that India will carry forward the spirit of people-centric progress during its leadership of BRICS in the coming year.

 

Prime Minister Modi said, "The expansion of BRICS and the addition of new friends is proof that BRICS is an organization that can change itself according to the times. Now we have to show the same will to reform institutions like the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and multilateral development banks."

TERRORISM IS THE MOST SERIOUS CHALLENGE TO HUMANITY

At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Prime Minister Modi called terrorism the biggest enemy of humanity. Expressing his deep concern over the situation in Gaza, he stressed the need to establish peace in the world. He took on both Pakistan and China without naming them over the situation during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale and there should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. He said this when China helped Pakistan from behind the scenes during Operation Sindoor.

Prime Minister Modi said, 'Peace and security in the world are very important. This is the foundation of a common future for all of us. Only if the environment is peaceful and safe, will people be able to progress. BRICS can play an important role in achieving this goal. We have to face challenges together and move forward together.'

THE GLOBAL SOUTH: A VICTIM OF DOUBLE STANDARDS 

Today, the Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritized. On issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received only formal gestures'. 'Global institutions created in the 20th century are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, pandemics, economic crises, or newly emerging challenges in cyberspace, these institutions have no solutions'.

THE WORLD NEEDS A NEW SYSTEM TODAY

PM Modi further said, 'Today the world needs a new, multipolar and inclusive world order. This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible.' Countries that have made a significant contribution to today's global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network.'

                                                                       

Prime Minister Modi said, "In the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable that a global institution has not been updated even once in 80 years. 20th century typewriters cannot run 21st  century software."

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

PM Modi said at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro that Climate change and environmental safety have always been top priorities for India. For us, it's not just about energy, it's about maintaining a balance between life and nature. In our culture, the Earth is respected as a mother. That’s why, when Mother Earth needs us, we always respond. We are transforming our mindset, our behaviour, and our lifestyle. India was the first country to achieve its Paris commitments ahead of schedule.

 

PROPOSAL FOR REFORM OF THE IMF

Finance ministers of the BRICS group of developing countries unanimously called for reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This includes expanding voting rights and ending the tradition of European management. According to a joint statement issued by the finance ministers of the group, for the first time BRICS countries agreed on the proposed reforms. The leaders of the member countries agreed to support the joint proposal in the IMF review meeting to be held in December.

 

Changes to the quota system that defines contributions and voting rights will be discussed. According to the statement, the quota restructuring should reflect the relative position of members in the global economy and also protect the quota share of the poorest members. The new formula should increase quotas for developing countries. A Brazilian official monitoring the talks said that the BRICS ministers demanded a new formula based on economic output and purchasing power, which considers the relative value of currencies so that low-income countries can be better represented.

 BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS ON EXPANDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure during a meeting on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit. Both leaders also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in areas including Ayurveda, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), disaster management, and capacity building.

PM Modi held bilateral engagements with the Presidents of Bolivia and Uruguay, where they discussed how to further deepen relations and collaborate in various sectors. Both leaders also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in areas including Ayurveda, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), disaster management, and capacity building.

 

 

PM MODI REACHED BRASILIA

PM Modi reached Brasilia for a State Visit after concluding the BRICS summit and held bilateral discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The leaders decided to charter a strategic roadmap to further strengthen bilateral ties over the next decade around five priority pillars:

1.    Defense and security;

2.    Food and nutritional security;

3.    Energy transition and climate change;

4.    Digital transformation and emerging technologies;

5.    Industrial partnerships in strategic areas.

 

The leaders directed their relevant government agencies to work together towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the five priority pillars and to report on progress made to the Brazil-India Joint Commission.

BRAZIL HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR

                                                     

 

PM Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. The honour was presented by President Lula in recognition of PM Modi's notable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation across key global platforms.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for unified global action against terrorism and urged BRICS nations to shed their hesitation in banning terrorists. Prime Minister Modi said terrorism remains the most serious threat to the world and called for fighting it consistently, in principle, without political convenience or selective use. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil has raised hopes of taking economic and technological cooperation between the two countries to new heights.

 

As far as the autonomy of the BRICS grouping is concerned, it is being challenged. Internal tensions within BRICS have also increased significantly. Donald Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on several BRICS countries. Military tensions are rising. The US has launched missile attacks on one BRICS country, Iran. President Xi Jinping's absence from the summit was disappointing. Another notable absence was that of the Egyptian president. Vladimir Putin attended virtually.

 

Despite the challenges, the Rio Declaration underscored the fundamental solidarity and consensus among BRICS members on many issues. The joint statement strongly condemned the attacks on Gaza and the attacks on Iran, noting the threats to nuclear security.