Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized the significance of climate change as a ‘common priority’ at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Kazan, held under Russia’s presidency.

“I want to thank President Putin for the successful organization of the 16th BRICS Summit. I once again heartily welcome the new colleagues associated with BRICS. In its new form, BRICS represents 40% of the world’s population and about 30% of the global economy,” PM Modi said during his address.

He further discussed the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre, launched in 2022, and its role in improving health security for all member countries. Modi expressed India’s willingness to share its experience in digital health with BRICS partners. “Climate change has been a matter of our common priority,” he added.

PM Modi highlighted India’s initiatives aimed at combating climate change, including Mission LiFE and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.’ He also underscored the focus on green growth, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green transition. Notable programs like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Green Credit initiatives launched at the COP Summit were also mentioned.

PM Modi also discussed the growing connectivity and financial integration among BRICS nations. He cited the success of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and called for greater economic cooperation through trading in local currencies and cross-border payments.

“Special emphasis is being laid on infrastructure in all BRICS countries. In India, we have created the ‘Gatishakti’ portal to enhance multimodal connectivity, which has reduced logistics costs and supported integrated planning. We will be happy to share our experiences with you,” he said.

He also mentioned that the UPI system, a big success in India, has been adopted by several countries and was recently launched in the UAE in partnership with Sheikh Mohammed. PM Modi welcomed further cooperation in this area with other countries.

(ANI)