New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used the BRICS Business Forum platform to make a broad pitch for peace, secure trade routes, resilient supply chains and deeper economic cooperation, saying dialogue and diplomacy remained the way forward in resolving conflicts. 

Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade, Modi said India was ready to contribute to peace efforts while simultaneously positioning itself as a reliable partner for global growth and stability.
 

Here are the 10 key takeaways from PM Modi's address:

1. ‘Dialogue and diplomacy’ for resolving conflicts

Modi said dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward for resolving conflicts and reiterated that India stood ready to assist in peace efforts. His remarks came amid continuing geopolitical tensions that have disrupted trade and affected maritime routes.

2. India backs freedom of navigation

The Prime Minister made a strong case for freedom of navigation, saying global trade could move forward only when sea lanes were secure, supply routes remained open and seafarers were safe.

3. Maritime security is vital for global trade

Modi warned that disruptions along maritime routes can have consequences far beyond the affected waters, putting global supply chains under pressure. He stressed the need to protect seafarers and ensure uninterrupted navigation.

4. India as a global solutions hub

Highlighting India's growing economic capabilities, Modi said the country now had more than 2 lakh registered startups and 120 unicorns, positioning India as an emerging hub for global solutions.

5. India building economic bridges

With global uncertainty and rising trade barriers weighing on businesses, Modi said India was building economic bridges and offering confidence for growth and stability.

6. Resilient infrastructure is a priority

Modi highlighted India's efforts to strengthen its infrastructure network, including roads, railways, ports and airports, as part of its push to create more resilient supply chains.

7. Strategic sectors in focus

The Prime Minister pointed to India's expanding capabilities in critical and emerging sectors, including shipbuilding, semiconductors, quantum technology, critical minerals and biotechnology.

8. BRICS' growing economic weight

Modi said BRICS countries now account for around 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and more than 25% of global trade. He added that the bloc's combined GDP had expanded nearly 4.5 times, compared with roughly 2.5 times growth in global GDP.

9. Modi calls for removal of trade barriers

The Prime Minister asked the BRICS Business Council to prepare a report identifying 10 trade barriers that could be removed. He also called for supporting 100 BRICS startups in scaling up every year.

10. Push for 1,000 business partnerships and digital cooperation

Modi called for the creation of 1,000 new business partnerships among BRICS nations, alongside greater investment and talent exchange. He also highlighted India's Unified Payments Interface, saying around 50% of the world's real-time payments now take place through UPI.

Putin's message to the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also addressed the BRICS Business Forum, struck a different but closely watched note.

Saying Russia was 'not against anyone', Putin said Moscow was focused on protecting its interests while remaining open to working with partners across the world.

Putin also positioned the BRICS Business Council as a mechanism to give fresh impetus to trade and economic ties, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, logistics, finance and technological cooperation.

While his remarks were delivered at a business forum, they also carried a broader political message amid tensions between Russia and Western countries.

Modi's address, meanwhile, sought to connect the economic and geopolitical challenges facing BRICS, with the Prime Minister arguing that the bloc's growing economic weight should translate into practical solutions for global trade, investment, infrastructure and peace.