Rio de Janeiro – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that India’s upcoming BRICS presidency in 2025 will adopt a “people-centric approach” guided by the principle of “Humanity First.” He was speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil on July 6-7, during the session on Environment, COP-30, and Global Health.
“Under India’s BRICS chairmanship next year, we will continue to work closely on all key issues. Our goal will be to redefine BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,” said PM Modi.
He said India’s leadership will mirror its inclusive G20 presidency, placing the concerns of the Global South at the center of the agenda.
PM Modi praised Brazil for giving priority to global health and the environment, calling these issues “extremely important for the bright future of humanity.” He highlighted India’s own commitment to climate and environmental stewardship:
“This year, COP-30 is being held in Brazil, making discussions on the environment in BRICS both relevant and timely. 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,” he said.
“In our culture, the Earth is respected as a mother. That’s why, when Mother Earth needs us, we always respond.”
🇮🇳 India’s Green and Global Initiatives
PM Modi outlined several Indian initiatives under the theme “People, Planet, and Progress”, including:
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
- ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother)
- International Solar Alliance
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- Global Biofuels Alliance
- Big Cats Alliance
He recalled how India, under its G20 Presidency, introduced the Green Development Pact and launched the Green Credits Initiative.
“Despite being the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India is the first country to achieve its Paris commitments ahead of schedule,” he added.
India has seen a 4000% increase in solar capacity over the past decade and remains on track to meet its Net Zero target by 2070, Modi stated.
“For India, climate justice is not just a choice, it is a moral obligation. Without technology transfer and affordable financing for countries in need, climate action will remain confined to climate talk.”
He urged developed nations to close the gap between climate ambition and climate finance, adding,
“Sustainable and inclusive development of humanity cannot be achieved as long as double standards persist.”
Modi praised the Framework Declaration on Climate Finance released during the summit, calling it “a commendable step.”
🌍 Health, Post-Pandemic Resilience, and BRICS Cooperation
PM Modi emphasized that the health of the planet and the health of people are deeply connected.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that viruses do not require visas, and solutions cannot be chosen based on passports.”
He said BRICS is strengthening cooperation in the health sector, especially through the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre launched in 2022.
Highlighting domestic efforts, he said:
“Today, India is home to the world’s largest health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, which has become a lifeline for over 500 million people.”
He also mentioned India’s promotion of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga, as well as expanding digital healthcare access across remote regions.
“We would be happy to share India’s successful experiences in all these areas.”
In a post on X, Modi said:
“Addressed the session on ‘Environment, COP30, and Global Health’ at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. I’m grateful to Brazil for initiating a discussion on these topics at the BRICS Summit because these are important subjects for the future of humankind.”
🤝 Broader BRICS Agenda
During the summit, leaders discussed a broad range of topics including:
- Reform of global governance
- Voice of the Global South
- Strengthening multilateralism
- Peace and security
- Development challenges
- Artificial Intelligence
India will assume the BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, and PM Modi’s message was clear: under India, BRICS will aim to be more inclusive, sustainable, and focused on human progress.