Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for urgent action on climate justice and global health security, urging developed nations to deliver on financing commitments and technology transfers during a high-level BRICS session hosted by Brazil.
Speaking at the BRICS session on Environment, COP-30 and Global Health, Modi emphasized that climate change, environmental sustainability and public health are deeply interconnected and must be addressed collectively.
He described India’s approach as rooted in tradition and moral responsibility, saying, “For us, it’s not just about energy, it’s about maintaining a balance between life and nature.”
India Pushes Green Agenda Ahead of COP-30
With Brazil set to host COP-30 later this year, Modi said the BRICS bloc — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — must show leadership on climate issues.
He outlined India’s key environmental initiatives, including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
Despite being the fastest-growing major economy, Modi noted, India is the first G20 nation to meet its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule.
He cited a 4000 percent increase in solar energy capacity over the past decade and reaffirmed India’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
“We are transforming our mindset, our behaviour, and our lifestyle,” Modi said, adding that India is advancing a pro-planet, pro-people development path under the guiding principle of “People, Planet, and Progress.”
Call for Climate Finance and Fairness
Modi reiterated India’s long-standing demand for climate justice, warning that climate ambition will remain “climate talk” without financing and technology support for developing nations.
“Climate justice is not just a choice, it is a moral obligation,” he said. “Bridging the gap between climate ambition and climate financing is a special and significant responsibility of developed countries.”
He welcomed the adoption of the “Framework Declaration on Climate Finance” by BRICS leaders, calling it a commendable step toward equitable climate action.
Health Tied to Planet’s Future
The Indian PM also stressed the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, linking human health to planetary well-being. “Viruses do not require visas, and solutions cannot be chosen based on passports,” he said.
India’s efforts under the ‘One Earth, One Health’ framework were highlighted, including the world’s largest health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, which serves more than 500 million people.
Modi also pointed to India’s growing digital health infrastructure and traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga.
He welcomed the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre launched in 2022 and the adoption of the “BRICS Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases” declaration.
India to Chair BRICS in 2026
Looking ahead to India’s chairmanship of BRICS next year, Modi pledged to prioritize the concerns of the Global South and promote a “humanity-first” and people-centric agenda.
He proposed redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,” mirroring India’s inclusive approach during its G20 presidency.
Modi concluded by congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for successfully hosting the summit and expressed gratitude for Brazil’s leadership in spotlighting issues critical to humanity’s future.
