India has emphasised that environmental action must remain people-centric, sustainable and responsive to the realities of developing countries. In his address at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said, India’s BRICS chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefining BRICS as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.
The Minster highlighted the growing global environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, particularly for developing countries where environmental vulnerability is often closely intertwined with broader development priorities. The Minister called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and post-fire recovery, while stressing the importance of climate finance, adaptation and empowering local communities.
Emphasising India’s approach, Mr Yadav said, ecological restoration and human development can advance together, citing Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam as examples of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership. He also called for bringing traditional knowledge and modern science together to ensure solutions are scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive. The Minister talked about how India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035 further reflects the ambitious commitment to advancing climate action while supporting inclusive development and energy security.
The Minister outlined four priorities of India’s BRICS Chairship, Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles, Afforestation, Forest Fire Management and Disaster Resilience, Circular Economy and Adaptation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement. BRICS Nations today reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration on environmental protection and sustainable development. The Joint Ministerial Statement said, BRICS Nations also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. BRICS Nations also emphasised that enhanced international cooperation including availability of finance from developed countries is essential to enable developing countries to effectively address environmental and climate challenges while advancing sustainable development and poverty eradication. BRICS Nations believe that cooperation and collaboration within BRICS, and beyond, including through South-South cooperation, will pave the way towards sustainable development with a people-centred approach. The BRICS Ministers expressed their appreciation for India’s leadership in advancing the circular economy as an enabler of sustainable development.
