October 23, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a unified approach to combat terrorism during his address at the 16th BRICS Summit on Wednesday. As conflicts rage in West Asia and Ukraine, Modi reiterated India's commitment to diplomacy, stating, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.”

In a firm call for global cooperation, the Prime Minister highlighted the urgency of tackling terror financing and violence, stressing that there is "no room for double standards" in addressing such critical issues. “We must actively take steps to prevent radicalisation among the youth of our countries,” he urged, advocating for the completion of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations.

Attending both narrow and expanded format meetings at the summit, Modi is also scheduled to hold a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first formal discussion between the two leaders in five years. This meeting follows a recent truce that allows Indian and Chinese forces to resume patrols in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, effectively ending a four-year military standoff.

In his address, Modi outlined other pressing global challenges, including inflation, food security, and cyber threats. He underscored the importance of prioritizing health security and sustainable access to water and energy. “Preventing inflation and ensuring food and energy security are matters of priority for all countries in the world,” he noted.

The Prime Minister called on BRICS nations to collectively advocate for reforms in global institutions, such as the UN Security Council and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He stressed that BRICS should focus on reforming rather than replacing these institutions, asserting the need for a balanced approach.

Furthermore, Modi addressed the rise of technological threats, emphasizing the need for global regulations on cybersecurity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. “In this age of technology, new challenges such as cybersecurity, deepfakes, and disinformation have emerged. There are high expectations for BRICS in this context,” he stated.

The summit, gathering leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, reflects the group's commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges through collaboration and mutual support.