Prime Minister Narendra Modi Proposes Innovative Steps to Strengthen BRICS Cooperation

| 23 August 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address at the 15th BRICS Summit's open plenary session held in Johannesburg. With a view to enhancing collaboration among the BRICS member nations, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a series of progressive suggestions aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation and addressing key global challenges.

BRICS Space Exploration Consortium: Advancing Beyond Boundaries

Among the standout proposals put forth by Prime Minister Modi was the establishment of a BRICS space exploration consortium. He stressed that while work on the BRICS satellite constellation was already underway, deeper collaboration could be achieved through the formation of this consortium. PM Modi highlighted the potential for collective space research and weather monitoring within this framework, signaling a collaborative stride towards technological advancement.

Education, Skill Development, and Technology: Laying the Foundation for a Future-Ready BRICS

To underscore the significance of societal preparedness, Prime Minister Modi recommended an amplified focus on education, skill development, and technology sectors. He asserted that fortifying BRICS as a forward-looking entity hinges on fostering the requisite skills and knowledge base. This step, he emphasized, would cultivate a future-ready society and propel BRICS nations towards sustained prosperity.

Conservation through Collaboration: Safeguarding Big Cats

Prime Minister Modi brought to light the shared heritage of several BRICS member nations, which are home to diverse species of big cats. He championed the concept of an International Big Cat Alliance under BRICS, wherein member countries collectively contribute to the protection of these endangered species. This move underlines the commitment of BRICS nations to environmental conservation and biodiversity preservation.

Reviving Traditional Wisdom: Establishing a Repository of Traditional Medicines

Acknowledging the rich tradition of holistic healing practices, Prime Minister Modi advocated for the establishment of a repository of traditional medicines. This repository would serve as a reservoir of ancient remedies and holistic healthcare approaches, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and promoting the integration of traditional wisdom into modern healthcare systems.

A Focus on the Global South: BRICS' Role in Global Forums

PM Modi extended support to South Africa's BRICS presidency's emphasis on the Global South. He underscored India's prioritization of Global South countries during its G20 presidency, highlighting India's proposal for the African Union's permanent membership in the G20. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the support of BRICS partners for this initiative within the G20.

Envisioning an Expansive Future: Prime Minister Modi's Call for BRICS Expansion

Affirming India's full-fledged backing for the expansion of BRICS, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the initiative to broaden the alliance based on consensus. This visionary approach underscores India's commitment to fostering stronger ties and incorporating new voices into the BRICS fold, amplifying the organization's influence on the global stage.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the 15th BRICS Summit underscored his commitment to innovative collaboration, forward-looking policies, and collective action to tackle global challenges. With the proposal of a BRICS space exploration consortium, emphasis on education and technology, commitment to environmental conservation, and focus on expanding the alliance, PM Modi's suggestions hold the potential to further elevate the BRICS cooperation and its impact on the world stage.