BRICS Summit: India supports dialogue and diplomacy, not war, says Narendra Modi in Russia

Attending the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said New Delhi supports dialogue and diplomacy, not war.

He commented at a time when the world is witnessing rising tension in the Middle East and Russia is engaged in a war against Ukraine.

Speaking at the event in Kazan, Modi said: “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like COVID together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations.”

He urged the BRICS members to counter menaces like terrorism and terror financing.

“We need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter. We need to take active steps to stop radicalization of youth in our countries,” he said.

“Our diversity, respect for each other and our tradition of moving forward on the basis of consensus, are the basis for our cooperation.This quality of ours, and our BRICS spirit, are attracting other countries as well to this forum. I am confident that in the times to come we will together make this unique platform a model for dialogue, cooperation and coordination,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges the world is facing at present, Modi said: “Our meeting is taking place at a time, when the world is facing several pressing challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty, climate change and terrorism. The world is talking about the North South divide and the East West divide.”

“Preventing inflation, ensuring food security, energy security , health security, water security, are matters of priority for all countries in the world,” he said.

Modi said cyber deepfake and disinformation have emerged as new challenges to the world with advancements in technology.

“We need to work on global regulations for cyber security and for safe and secure AI,” Modi said.

Modi pitched for reform in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, Multilateral development banks, and the WTO.