India warns against spreading misleading image of BRICS
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the progress achieved by the BRICS group over the past two decades, which now represents 40% of the world’s population and around 30% of the global economy. He added that he believes BRICS “will emerge as a more effective medium to face global challenges.”
Modi stressed that BRICS should move forward “in a timely manner” in pushing for reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, IMF, and other multilateral development organizations, including the World Trade Organization. “As we advance the efforts of BRICS, we must ensure that the image of this organization is not one of wanting to replace global institutions but rather to reform them,” he said at the BRICS leaders’ summit.
His remarks come amid Western media reports claiming that BRICS is struggling to “resolve its identity crisis.” Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting that India and Brazil oppose BRICS expansion.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media in Kazan on Tuesday, calling these reports “completely misplaced and erroneous.”
“Last year, when BRICS was expanded, we were very much involved in that process,” he said, adding that new members appreciated the role New Delhi played, which “testifies to our stance on BRICS expansion.”
Modi called BRICS a “diverse and inclusive platform” capable of playing a positive role on issues facing the world, from wars and conflicts to economic uncertainties, climate change, and cybersecurity risks. “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. Just as we overcame challenges like Covid together, we can certainly create new opportunities for a secure, strong, and prosperous future for generations to come,” the Indian leader stated.
During the plenary session of the ongoing 16th BRICS Summit, leaders of member states discussed strategic and economic cooperation within the group to achieve a more equitable and inclusive global system.
