Global Cooperation Against Terror: Modi's Key Message at BRICS

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the limited plenary session of the 16th BRICS Summit on Wednesday, emphasized India’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue over war. "We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war," he affirmed, referencing ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. He called for international collaboration to combat terrorism and its funding, stating, "To tackle terrorism and terror financing, we must unite with determination and without double standards.

We need to take proactive steps to prevent radicalization among the youth of our nations and address the pending comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations." PM Modi participated in both narrow and expanded meetings at the BRICS Summit in Kazan and is scheduled to hold a crucial bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks their first formal interaction in five years and follows India's recent truce with China, allowing for resumed patrolling in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, thereby ending a four-year military standoff.

In his speech, PM Modi addressed pressing global issues such as inflation, food security, and cyber threats. "Preventing inflation and ensuring food and energy security, as well as health and water security, are priorities for all nations," he remarked. He urged BRICS partners to collectively advocate for reforms in global institutions. "We must advance promptly towards reforms in bodies like the UN Security Council, Multilateral Development Banks, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). While promoting BRICS, we should clarify that we seek to reform rather than replace these institutions," he added. Furthermore, PM Modi stressed the need for global regulations on cybersecurity and the safe use of artificial intelligence, noting that in today’s technological landscape, new challenges like cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, and disinformation have emerged. "There are high expectations for BRICS in addressing these issues," he concluded.