Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday projected India as a reliable destination for investment, trade and innovation, saying the country can provide solutions at a time when businesses and economies around the world are facing geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and economic uncertainty.
Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi said India’s economic transformation, policy reforms and expanding capabilities have strengthened its position as a dependable partner for the global economy.
He described India as a “global solution hub” and said the country’s growing economic strength could help create greater confidence among businesses and investors.
BRICS Emerges as a Larger Economic Platform
Modi highlighted the transformation of BRICS since its formation two decades ago. What began as a four-country grouping has expanded significantly, with 11 member states and 10 partner countries now forming the wider BRICS family.
The 11-member grouping represents nearly half of the world’s population and accounts for around 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade, according to Indian government figures.
The expansion has also given BRICS a wider geographical footprint, bringing together major economies and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
Modi said the growing scale of the grouping creates significant opportunities for businesses, particularly in trade, investment, technology and supply-chain cooperation.
Modi Pushes Stronger Government-Business Cooperation
The Prime Minister said governments and businesses need to work more closely to convert BRICS’ growing economic weight into practical opportunities.
The BRICS Business Forum, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, brought together representatives from governments, companies, financial institutions and startups to discuss trade, investment, technology and supply-chain cooperation.
Modi said stronger connections between companies in BRICS countries could help expand markets and create new avenues for investment and collaboration.
His message comes as businesses worldwide continue to deal with shifting trade policies, supply-chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical uncertainty.
India Backs Open and Secure Sea Routes
Modi also reiterated India’s support for freedom of navigation and open sea routes, stressing their importance for international commerce.
Reliable maritime routes are crucial for the movement of goods, energy supplies and raw materials. Any disruption can increase transportation costs and put additional pressure on already strained global supply chains.
The emphasis on open sea lanes comes as geopolitical tensions continue to affect important international trade routes.
BRICS Looks Towards Practical Economic Cooperation
India’s BRICS presidency has placed considerable emphasis on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The grouping is also discussing initiatives aimed at improving trade connectivity, supporting startups and strengthening supply chains.
The broader economic agenda includes areas such as digital cooperation, investment, logistics, technology and value-chain integration.
For New Delhi, the challenge is now to translate BRICS’ expanding economic footprint into concrete cooperation that benefits businesses and participating economies.
Modi’s remarks at the business forum therefore placed India at the centre of that effort, presenting the country not only as a major emerging market but also as a potential source of stability and solutions during a period of global economic uncertainty.
The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with leaders from the 11-member grouping expected to participate.
