Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 23 said that the BRICS countries have to make their societies future-ready to make the grouping a future-ready organisation and that technology will play an important role in these endeavours.
Addressing the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit here, the Prime Minister said India had given a lot of importance to the countries of Global South under its G20 Presidency and lauded South Africa for the initiative as the chair of the BRICS summit.
“We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the Global South in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. This is not just the aspiration, but also the need of the present times. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency. One Earth One Family One Future – we are trying to move forward with all countries on this mantra. In the Voice of Global South summit in January this year, 125 countries participated and shared their concerns and priorities,” he said.
My remarks at Plenary Session I of BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. https://t.co/JqJPCv045R
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023
PM Modi said BRICS has undertaken a long and magnificent journey.
“To make BRICS a future-ready organisation, we will need to make our respective societies also future-ready, and technology will play an important role in this,” he said.
“In around two decades, BRICS has undertaken a long and magnificent journey. In this journey, we made numerous achievements,” he added.
PM Modi also remembered Mahatma Gandhi and his connection with South Africa and the historical connections between the two countries.
PM Modi said Tolstoy Farm associated with Mahatma Gandhi is some distance from Johannesburg.
“By connecting the great ideas of India, Eurasia and Africa, Mahatma Gandhi placed a strong foundation of our unity and harmony.”
“I thank President Ramaphosa for the grand reception. To come to a beautiful city like Johannesburg once again is a matter of joy for me and my delegation. This city has an old and deep connection with the Indians and Indian history,” he said.
PM Modi said the New Development Bank is playing a crucial role in the development of countries of the Global South.
PM’s respect for the Tricolour
PM Modi noticed Indian Tricolour on the ground during the group photo at BRICS, picked it up and kept it with him to make sure no one stepped on it.
Each leader’s place was marked with the country’s flag to denote their standing position. PM Modi showed immense support for the Tricolour when he picked it up and kept it.
However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa already stepped on his flag but after observing PM Modi, he also followed him. The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions.
(with inputs from ANI)
