By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India “fully supports the expansion” of the BRICS group, as the leaders of the five major emerging economies met for the second day of the BRICS summit.
“We welcome moving forward with consensus on this,” Modi said in his opening remarks at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the bloc.
Russia and China are championing expansion, with South Africa also in support, as President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Sunday.
Modi also noted that global south countries have been given “special importance” in BRICS under South Africa’s chairship.
“This is not just an expectation of the present times but a necessity as well, “the Prime Minister said.
Modi said he also proposed that all the BRICS nations and the African Union be permanent members of the G20.
“Under a G20 Presidency, India has given this subject the highest priority based on our core value of one heart and one family and we’re moving forward together with all countries.
“I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20 and all will support our proposal.”
He has described the last two decades as long and magnificent for BRICS.
Modi also highlighted some of the bloc’s achievements, including the New Development Bank (NDB).
According to Modi, the NDB plays an important role in the development of the countries in the global south through contingency reserve arrangements.
He also spoke briefly about initiatives such as the BRICS satellite constellation, vaccine R&D centre and mutual recognition of pharma products.
“We’re bringing about positive [change] in the lives of ordinary citizens in BRICS countries through initiatives such as the youth summit, BRICS Games, BRICS Think Tanks Council and strengthening people-to-people ties between all countries.”
However, to give the BRICS agenda a new direction, he believes the leaders should push for a railway research network, an online BRICS database and close cooperation between start-up forums.
“I am pleased that significant progress has been made in all these areas.”
He also suggested creating a space exploration consortium that could focus on space research and weather monitoring for global good.
Modi also called for cooperation in the areas of education, skills development and technology to make BRICS a future-ready organisation.
To identify each other’s strengths, Modi proposed a skills mapping exercise to complement each other in their development journey.
He also advocated for the protection of big cats between the five countries and building a repository for traditional medicine.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Ramaphosa for hosting a successful summit.
“Congratulations and thanks to my dear friend Ramaphosa for the wonderful arrangements made for the organisation of the 15th BRICS Summit and his hospitality.””
He also reflected on Mahatma Gandh’s role in South Africa.
“He laid a strong foundation for our unity and mutual harmony,” he said.
In response, Ramaphosa congratulated India for successfully landing a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole, making it the first country to do so. This as India successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3.
“This for us as the BRICS family is a momentous occasion and we join you in the joy of this achievement.”
He said the bloc also supports the skills development proposal and said South Africa was pleased that it donated cheetahs to India and is prepared to provide more.