At the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg, Indian PM Narendra Modi called for BRICS to be the “Voice of the Global South.”
In his speech, Modi invited the participant countries to join the International Solar Alliance, One Sun, One World, One Grid; Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure; One Earth, One Health; Big Cat Alliance; and Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
Overview
The meeting saw participation from African, Asian, and Latin American countries, along with the BRICS nations.
Modi said, “Over the past two days, in all the discussions of BRICS, we have focused on the priorities and concerns of the Global South countries.”
The BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue sessions were productive. Got the opportunity to interact with leaders from Africa and reiterate India’s commitment to supporting African nations in order to further global prosperity. https://t.co/pWPPVclJsw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2023
While asking BRICS countries to be a voice of the Global South, the Indian PM urged further cooperation to strengthen the multipolar world.
He welcomed the newly inducted members of BRICS, and said the expansion “is an initiative towards our efforts of making the global institutions and forums representative and inclusive.”
He said, “I believe that BRICS and all the present friendly nations can collaborate to strengthen a multipolar world.”
Modi urged the participants to cooperate in counter-terrorism, environment conservation, climate action, cybersecurity, food and health security, and resilient supply chains.
India-Africa Relations
During the meeting, Modi highlighted India’s close partnership with Africa.
Saying India has accorded high priority to its relations with Africa, Modi mentioned that his country is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest investor.
Modi further stated that India has prioritised Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development in African countries, and noted several academic and economic investments undertaken by New Delhi in Africa.
He said, “Under Agenda 2063, India is a reliable and close partner in Africa’s journey to become a global powerhouse of the future.”
Modi said that India sees all countries as one global family. The Indian PM highlighted that India has invited three African nations as guest countries to the G20 and has proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G20.
Modi’s Remarks on BRICS Expansion
On the acceptance of Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and the UAE into BRICS, the Indian PM said, “This step will further strengthen the faith of many countries of the world in the multipolar world order.”
Modi said India has always believed that including new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.
He highlighted that the expansion conveys that all global institutions should adapt to changing times.
Modi’s Meetings
On the margins of the summit, Modi held several bilateral meetings.
Held fruitful talks with PM @AbiyAhmedAli. Congratulated him on Ethiopia joining BRICS. We discussed ways to boost ties in sectors like trade, defence and people to people relations. pic.twitter.com/PE6a8xRgZQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2023
This included his meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Modi also held a meeting with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, in which both sides discussed the Chabahar project and developments in Afghanistan.
Additionally, the Indian PM met Senegal’s president, Macky Sall, and Ethiopian PM Dr Abiy Ahmed Aliand and discussed trade, defence and other bilateral issues with them.
He also held a meeting with Mozambique’s president, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and discussed bilateral ties in defence and counter-terrorism, among other issues.
The Indian PM also met noted geneticist Dr. Himla Soodyal and invited her to collaborate with Indian institutes in genetics.
Additionally, he met eminent rocket scientist Siyabulela Xuza, who credited the Indian PM with the success of Digital India and Chandrayaan-3.