As India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting on August 18 in New Delhi under its chairship, it did so with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism. BRICS countries collectively account for 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, approximately 40 per cent of global GDP and 26 per cent of international trade, underscoring their growing influence on the global economy, development agenda and the future direction of international cooperation. As the world faces complex and interconnected environmental challenges, BRICS demonstrates that sustainable development, climate action and inclusive growth can advance together through dialogue, partnership and shared responsibility.

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, initiatives such as ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother) have demonstrated the value of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership. These initiatives illustrate how climate action, biodiversity conservation, resilience-building and livelihood enhancement can reinforce one another when pursued through integrated approaches.

It was in this context that India’s BRICS chairship was guided by the vision articulated by PM Modi: “Just as we brought inclusivity to our G-20 presidency and placed the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda, similarly, during our presidency of BRICS, we will advance this........

© Indian Express