BRICS must reflect credibility, lead Global South by example: Modi
Speaking at the Outreach Session on 'Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence' at the 17th BRICS Summit here, Modi said the strength of the bloc lies in its diversity and shared commitment to multipolarity.
"The diversity of the BRICS group and our firm belief in multipolarity are our greatest strengths. We must reflect on how BRICS can serve as a guiding force for a multipolar world in times to come," the prime minister said.
He stressed that to be taken seriously on the global stage, BRICS must first improve its internal systems.
In a post on X he said,"First, emphasis should be on improving our own systems so that our credibility is boosted when we call for reformed multilateralism. This is important considering economic cooperation within BRICS has been steadily progressing."
"While sanctioning projects through the BRICS New Development Banks (NDBs), there must be a focus on demand-driven decision-making, long-term financial sustainability and maintaining a healthy credit rating," he added.
Science and agri research
Prime Minister Modi said BRICS must share innovations in agriculture and science.
"The Global South has expectations from us. To fulfill them, we must follow the principle of 'Lead by Example'. India is fully committed to working shoulder to shoulder with all partners to achieve mutual goals," he said.
On global supply chains, he called for cooperation on critical minerals and technologies, warning against their weaponisation.
Modi highlighted the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform established in India as a model to exchange best practices in agri-biotech, precision farming and climate adaptation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
27 minutes ago
- Mint
India rejects NATO chief's threat of secondary sanctions over ties with Russia, cautions against ‘double standards'
In a firm response to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's threat of secondary sanctions over New Delhi's ties with Moscow, India on Thursday cautioned against "double standards" on the matter and asserted that its energy procurement from Russia is based on national interests and market dynamics. data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" data-vars-anchor-text="Rutt had warned India, China and Brazil">Rutt had warned India, China and Brazil that they could be hit hard by secondary sanctions if they continue to do business with Russia. "We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing. "In this endeavour, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," he said. Asked about US President Donald Trump threatening 100 per cent tariff on Russian exports and "secondary tariffs" on any country that has trade links with Moscow, Jaiswal said: "We are closely following developments that are in this regard, and the articulations that are being made." India, China and Brazil have been the major buyers of Russian crude oil notwithstanding the Western sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. "My encouragement to these three countries, particularly is, if you live now in Beijing, or in Delhi, or you are the president of Brazil, you might want to take a look into this, because this might hit you very hard," Rutte told reporters in Washington DC. "So please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way," he said. The NATO chief's remarks coincided with Trump's warning to Russia of major significant trade restrictions if it does not reach a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days. "We're going to be doing very severe tariffs (on Russia) if we don't have a deal in 50 days," Trump said on Tuesday. India, China and Brazil are members of the BRICS and Trump has been critical of the grouping as well. Earlier this month, Trump had threatened BRICS member nations of 10 per cent additional tariffs on exports to the US apart from reciprocal tariffs. Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will face those duties, he said. On the proposed trade deal between India and the US, Jaiswal said negotiations between the two sides are underway. "Both sides are in touch with each other. They are trying to iron out issues," he said. On India's negotiations with the European Union for the long-pending free trade pact, Jaiswal said talks are "progressing very well". "The last round, that is the 12th round, happened in Brussels from July 7th to 11th. And the next round of talks are scheduled to be held in September in New Delhi. "It (talks) is progressing well. There is good momentum. And that is how, and we would like to see a positive outcome of it," he added.
India.com
27 minutes ago
- India.com
Masterstroke by Nitish Kumar ahead of Bihar assembly polls, makes THIS BIG announcement for all households, JD(U) chief says...
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Patna: In a major move ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced free power up to 125 units to all domestic consumers in the state. The chief minister made the announcement on the social media, stating that the benefit will reach 1.67 crore households. He also said the free power benefit will be effective from August 1. 'This means that no charges will be levied for 125 units in the bills for July itself,' said Kumar, who also claimed 'we have already been providing cheap electricity to all consumers'. Notably, the longest-serving CM of the state has for long been a votary of 'one nation, one tariff', claiming that under the present circumstances, Bihar was getting electricity from the grid at a high rate. Nitish Kumar Pitches For Promoting Solar Power In his social media post, the JD(U) supremo also made a strong pitch for promoting solar power in Bihar, stating that an estimated 10,000 MW will be produced in the state through the alternative source of energy in the next three years. He spoke of 'Kutir Jyoti Yojana', a fully state-funded scheme, which entails the installation of solar panels at public places as well as the rooftops of poor people's houses with their consent. Kumar's latest move comes in the backdrop of the promise of '200 units of free electricity' by his rival and former deputy Tejashwi Yadav, whose RJD helms the opposition INDIA bloc in the state. Prime Minister Modi to Visit Bihar on July 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bihar on Friday when he is scheduled to address a public rally in East Champaran district, besides launching development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation development projects catering to Rail, Road, Rural Development, Fisheries, Electronics and Information Technology sectors. PM Modi will dedicate to the nation multiple rail projects. He will lay the foundation stone for 4-laning of Ara bypass of NH-319 that connects Ara-Mohania NH-319 and Patna-Buxar NH-922 providing seamless connectivity and reducing travel time. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 4-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, worth over Rs 820 crore, part of NH-319 which connects Ara Town to NH-02 (Golden Quadrilateral) that will improve freight and passenger movement. PM Modi will inaugurate New Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility at Darbhanga He will inaugurate a series of fisheries development projects sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Prime Minister Modi will flag off four new Amrit Bharat trains: Prime Minister will flag off four new Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendra Nagar Terminal (Patna) to New Delhi, Bapudham Motihari to Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal), Darbhanga to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) and Malda Town to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur improving connectivity in the region. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for multiple rail projects. Rail projects include development of infrastructure for maintenance of Vande Bharat trains at Patliputra. Automatic signalling on Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin rail line (114 km) to enable streamlined train operations. Upgradation of traction system in Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin section to enable higher train speeds by strengthening the traction system infrastructure and optimising energy efficiency. Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project worth around Rs 4,080 crore to increase sectional capacity, enable operation of more passenger and freight trains, strengthen connectivity between North Bihar and the rest of the country.
News18
30 minutes ago
- News18
3 Pillars Of PM Modi's Global South Doctrine: Diaspora, Democracy, And Resources
Last Updated: As New Delhi charts its course, it has become clear that its engagement with the Global South is no longer merely an extension of post-colonial solidarity We are today in an era of geopolitical flux and the realignment of global power. As such, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign tours are not just routine diplomatic exercises. Take, for instance, his multi-nation tour of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. It is a masterclass in a new and assertive Indian foreign policy, one that is moving beyond the traditional paradigms of non-alignment. As New Delhi charts its course, it has become clear that its engagement with the Global South is no longer merely an extension of post-colonial solidarity. It has matured into a strategic doctrine built on three distinct pillars: the emotive power of the diaspora, the shared values of democracy and the pragmatic pursuit of resources to fuel India's, and indeed, the Global South's growth. PM Modi's stops in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia are not random dots on a map. Each represents a cornerstone of this new architecture, showcasing a policy that is ambitious, nuanced, and rooted in India's core national interests – all at once. PM Modi's tour of these nations marks his longest and perhaps, most consequential foreign visit since 2014. The Diaspora As A Bridge: From Culture To Commerce The first pillar—the diaspora—was on full display in Trinidad and Tobago. 40 per cent of this country's population is of Indian origin. With even leaders who trace their roots to India, Trinidad is a living testament to the strategic value of India's soft power. A shared heritage creates a foundation of trust that can accelerate negotiations and smooth over diplomatic friction that might otherwise stall progress. After all, the prime minister's visit marks 180 years since the arrival of Indian immigrants in the country, thereby tapping into a deep well of historical connection. But this relationship is not fuelled by nostalgia alone. Trinidad is the Caribbean's largest producer of oil and natural gas. For India, a nation that imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil and whose economic growth is inextricably linked to energy security, a stable partnership with a major hydrocarbon producer in the Western Hemisphere is a significant strategic asset. Such a dual-pronged approach that leverages cultural ties to cement economic and energy partnerships is, in fact, now a recurring theme. We saw a similar dynamic play out in Guyana, another energy-rich Caribbean nation with a powerful Indian diaspora that PM Modi visited recently. This is a deliberate strategy: using the human bridge of the diaspora to build durable economic and strategic infrastructure. Democracy As Bedrock: A Partnership Of Equals The second pillar—democratic partnership—finds its anchor in Ghana. In his address to the Ghanaian Parliament, PM Modi's emphasis on a shared history of colonial struggle and a mutual commitment to democratic ideals was deliberate. By stating that both nations 'bear the scars of colonial rule, but our spirits have always remained free," he framed the India-Ghana relationship as a partnership of equals as opposed to one of a donor and recipient. This is the language of the new Global South, a bloc demanding a greater voice in institutions of global governance. It is also a subtle counter to China, which very often looks to build patronising 'loan" partnerships with countries in the Global South. Ghana, one of West Africa's most stable democracies and fastest-growing economies, is a natural gateway for India into the region. With significant lithium reserves, Ghana is a critical partner for India's green energy transition. The $450 million line of credit extended by India for projects like the Tema-Mpakadan railway line is a strategic investment in infrastructure that will help bring Ghanaian resources to global markets, benefiting both nations. This approach stands in contrast to China's models of engagement in Africa that have been criticised for creating unsustainable and predatory debt. This push is the maturation of a policy that began years ago. India's role in securing a permanent seat for the African Union at the G20 table during its presidency was a tangible demonstration of New Delhi's commitment to acting as a genuine advocate for the Global South. That one move helped it earn immense political capital across the continent. Pragmatism With A Conscience: The Hunt For Resources The third pillar is the most pragmatic: resource security. India's ambition to become a global manufacturing hub requires a secure and uninterrupted supply of critical minerals and energy, especially if India wants this to happen using 'clean energy." As China tries to curtail the flow of critical minerals around the world, India's partnership with countries like Namibia and Argentina becomes crucial. In Namibia, for example, the focus is on uranium for India's civilian nuclear programme and rare earth elements for its high-tech industries. Yet, the approach is distinguished by its conscience. This resource diplomacy reaches its zenith in Argentina. At a time when the world is pivoting toward electric vehicles, Argentina, sitting at the heart of the 'Lithium Triangle," has become indispensable. Holding the world's second-largest lithium reserves, it is key to the global battery supply chain. For India, securing a stake in Argentina's cost-effective lithium brine deposits is a matter of paramount strategic importance. But India's interest is broader. Argentina also holds the world's second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, most notably in the Vaca Muerta formation. This makes it a comprehensive energy partner for India, covering both the green transition and traditional energy security. Forging A New Global South Order Viewed together, these visits reveal the clear-eyed calculus of Modi's Global South doctrine. This is not the non-alignment of a bygone era. It is a multi-alignment strategy for a new age, where India builds tailored partnerships based on shared history, common values and convergent interests. It is a policy that understands that in the 21st century, the bonds of diaspora can fortify supply chains, the principles of democracy can underwrite stable investments, and the quest for resources can be balanced with creative and conscientious diplomacy. This is India stepping into its role not just as a balancing power, but as a leading power, actively shaping the agenda of the Global South from within. About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
