Rio de Janeiro/New Delhi, July7 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told the Rio BRICS Summit that the international community has to strengthen its shared efforts to make the planet healthier, stressing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that viruses do not arrive with visas, nor are solutions chosen based on passports.
Addressing the session on ‘Environment, COP30, and Global Health’ at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the PM thanked Brazil for initiating a discussion on these topics saying they are important subjects for the future of humankind.
“For us in India, climate change and environmental protection have always been subjects of the topmost priority. This has also been a part of our ancient culture. For us, climate change is not merely an issue of energy; it is about maintaining balance between life and nature,” he said.
Listing the green projects initiated by India, he said: “India is driven by the spirit of People, Planet and Progress. India has launched numerous initiatives like: Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (tree for Mother). International Solar Alliance. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Green Hydrogen Mission. Global Biofuels Alliance. International Big Cats Alliance.”
He said that despite being the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India was the first country to achieve its Paris commitments ahead of schedule.
“For India, Climate Justice is not an option; it is a moral duty. India believes that without technology transfer and affordable financing for countries in need, climate action will remain confined merely to climate talks,” he said, in remarks aimed at the West.
“The health of our people and planet is interconnected. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that viruses do not arrive with visas, nor are solutions chosen based on passports! Hence, we have to strengthen our shared efforts to make our planet healthier.”
He said that India is proud to have rolled out Ayushman Bharat, the largest health coverage scheme of its kind.
“We’ve leveraged the power of technology to make our health systems more effective. We also have vibrant traditional systems of medicine that further wellness,” the PM added.
The PM is attending the two-day 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
