India has said that BRICS Leaders’ declaration has captured most of the concerns of the Global South. Addressing the media after the conclusion of the first day of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro,  Secretary Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi, said that   Prime Minister Modi strongly articulated the need for reform in the multilateral global organisations. He recalled what  Mr. Modi said about the 20th-century organisations lacking the capacity to deal with the challenges of the 21st century and the need for a multipolar and inclusive world order. During one of his interventions in a session, the Prime Minister had said that the UN Security Council, the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO must undergo immediate reforms to reflect contemporary realities and challenges.

Secretary Dammu Ravi also said that the condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the strongest terms by all the countries was another highlight of the summit. He said that the declaration gives a strong message to India’s neighbours.  He informed that Prime Minister Modi gave suggestions to set up a Science and Research Repository in the BRICS by the Global South countries, to focus on the supply chain of critical minerals and make it secure and resilient and work on responsible Artificial Intelligence.  During another bilateral meeting with the Cuban President, the Secretary said that he showed keen interest in India’s digital public infrastructure and UPI payment gateway.  

Akashvani correspondent reports that the Secretary of Economic Relations, Dammu Ravi, has said that the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the BRICS assumes added importance as it elevated the Summit. This is because India is the founding member of BRICS and will be taking over the Chair next year. India will carry forward these agendas during its Chairmanship. He informed that during the second day of BRICS today, three sessions on Environment, COP 30 and Global Health will be held. The Prime Minister will reiterate India’s deep commitment to environmental action. He will also elaborate on the initiatives taken by India to promote people and pro-planet growth and development. He will highlight initiatives on the International Solar Alliance, the coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure, the biofuel alliance, big cat mission. Indian Ambassador to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia informed that four MoUs will be signed during the Prime Minister’s state visit on July 8. These will be on working together on counter terrorism, to mutually share confidential information, cooperate in Renewable energy and Agriculture research.