Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded BRICS for prioritising key global challenges like environmental protection and health security, saying India will take a “people-centric and humanity-first” approach when it assumes the BRICS presidency next year.

Speaking at the BRICS session on Environment, COP-30, and Global Health in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, Modi said, “For India, climate justice is not just a choice but a moral obligation.” He added that India’s development model is rooted in a balance between “life and nature.”

PM Modi outlined India’s initiatives such as Mission LiFE, the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, stating they reflect India’s commitment to sustainable growth. He highlighted that India was the first major economy to meet its Paris climate commitments ahead of schedule and is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

On health, Modi underlined India’s role as a global leader in digital healthcare and traditional medicine. “Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, benefiting over 500 million people,” he said, reaffirming India’s willingness to share best practices with Global South nations.

Modi also welcomed the release of the ‘Framework Declaration on Climate Finance’ and supported collective efforts to bridge the gap between climate ambition and financing.

As India prepares to take over the BRICS chair, Modi pledged to redefine the group as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, with a strong focus on the Global South.