Brazil confers its highest civilian honour ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ on PM Modi –

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-day visit to Brazil, which enhanced and enriched South dialogue and deepened strategic ties with Brazil, has concluded. The Prime Minister made it clear on the need to reform international institutions to create space for the Global South. He also advocated for change in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. He also urged higher priority for the Global South in policymaking. Making his views clear, the Prime Minister noted that the Global South often faces double standards about development, distribution of resources, and security-related matters. He further said that the interests of the Global South are not given due importance. These countries have received nothing more than token gestures on topics like climate finance, sustainable development and technology access. He sought proper representation in global institutions by saying that many countries with a key role in the global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. He said it’s not about representation but also credibility and effectiveness. Mincing no words, he said that without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card without a network.
 
In a significant move, ‘The Leaders Declaration’ at the ongoing BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people. The BRICS leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. It has urged to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism. Speaking on Environment conservation and global health, the Prime Minister explained to the world forum in BRICS that planetary and human health are interconnected, and Indians imbibe reverence towards nature for generations. He was speaking at the BRICS summit on a session on “Environment, CoP 30 and Global Health” in Rio de Janeiro. He emphasised that for India, climate justice is no alternative but a moral duty. He said that during the India Presidency of BRICS next year, it will be redefined as ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’. After two days of the BRICS Summit, the Prime Minister paid a State visit and travelled to Brasilia. He had a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President Lula da Silva and announced that the trade between the two countries must reach 20 billion dollars in five years. 
 
Speaking at a Joint Press Conference with the Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the state visit to Brazil in Brasilia, the Prime Minister said that both countries will work closely to expand the Mercosur preferential trade agreement to cover more products and improve market access for Indian exporters. Mercosur is a regional trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In his press statement, Mr Modi announced plans to enable Unified Payments Interface adoption in Brazil on the lines of India’s digital payments infrastructure. He identified key sectors for enhanced bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, food processing, digital public infrastructure and space technology. Agri tech and value-added food exports were other areas that the Prime Minister spoke about to enhance trade. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the “Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross”. Brazilian President Lula da Silva presented the award in recognition of PM Modi’s notable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation across key global platforms.