Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for deeper economic integration among BRICS countries, including stronger intra-bloc trade, greater movement of skilled talent and closer coordination to protect vital maritime routes. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Modi highlighted the grouping's expanding economic influence and India's position as a growing centre for manufacturing, technology and investment.

Modi said BRICS has expanded into a 21-nation grouping that collectively represents nearly 40 per cent of the global economy. Reflecting on the bloc's two-decade journey, he said its economic influence has continued to grow and expressed optimism about its future. The Prime Minister also said BRICS economies are expanding at roughly twice the pace of the world economy.

Highlighting India's economic performance, Modi pointed to the country's infrastructure expansion, including the development of ports and airports, as well as its rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. He said India is growing despite an unstable global environment, underscoring what he described as the country's economic resilience and stability. Modi noted that India now has more than two lakh startups, with businesses increasingly operating in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and edtech.

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The Prime Minister also highlighted India's digital payments infrastructure, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which he said has accelerated digital transactions. He positioned India's expanding infrastructure, diversified supply chains and digital capabilities as important factors supporting the country's ambition to become a major manufacturing and investment destination. Modi also called for greater participation of women entrepreneurs in India's economic growth.

Beyond India's domestic growth story, Modi urged BRICS members to make better use of the grouping's combined economic strength. He called for increased trade and talent mobility between member countries while advocating efforts to reduce barriers to cross-border economic activity. According to Modi, stronger economic integration could help businesses and workers benefit more directly from the opportunities created by the bloc's expanding membership.

Modi also stressed the importance of protecting sea lanes and shipping routes because of their critical role in global commerce and supply chains. He called on BRICS countries to translate their collective economic strength into practical solutions to global challenges. Greater cooperation, he said, could help member economies navigate an increasingly uncertain international environment while strengthening the bloc's role in the global economy.

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