As global climate challenges intensify, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to represent India at a pivotal BRICS summit in October, where the focus will be on strengthening climate cooperation among member nations. This summit (October 22-24, 2024) comes at a critical juncture, following the recent signing of two significant documents by BRICS countries aimed at addressing the urgent need for climate action.

The first document, a comprehensive framework for climate and sustainable development, outlines key areas for joint efforts among BRICS nations. This framework highlights the commitment of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and the newly inducted members—Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE—to collaborate on sustainable growth while mitigating the impacts of climate change. The framework emphasizes the need for a collective approach to sustainable development, acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by each member country.

The second document is a Memorandum of Understanding on carbon market partnerships. This MoU underscores the importance of science-driven climate action, advocating for mitigation measures based on rigorous scientific data, analytics, and expertise shared among BRICS member countries. This agreement is particularly crucial as it aligns the climate strategies of BRICS with global best practices, ensuring that the region contributes effectively to global climate goals.

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the upcoming summit is expected to bolster India’s leadership in global climate initiatives. Under his leadership, India has been a vocal advocate for sustainable development and climate action, often emphasizing the need for equity in global climate policies. The October summit will provide a platform for India to further its climate agenda, particularly in the context of its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the recent BRICS agreements.

As the world watches, the October BRICS summit will be a key moment for member nations to demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change collaboratively, with India expected to play a central role in shaping the outcomes of this critical meeting.