PM Modi Highlights 4,000% Surge In Solar Capacity, Pushes For Climate Finance At BRICS Meet

New Delhi, July 8 (KNN) Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s climate and health leadership during the BRICS Leaders’ Session on Environment, COP-30, and Global Health on Monday, emphasising India’s exponential growth in solar energy and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Modi stated that India had recorded a 4000 percent increase in installed solar capacity over the past decade and was the first country to meet its Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule. 

Modi outlined key Indian-led initiatives that support global climate goals, including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Global Biofuels and Big Cats alliances.

Calling the BRICS discussion on environment ‘timely and relevant’ ahead of the upcoming COP-30 in Brazil, Modi noted that India had championed bridging the Global North–South divide during its G20 presidency, including securing consensus on the Green Development Pact. 

He welcomed the BRICS “Framework Declaration on Climate Finance,” describing it as a ‘commendable step.’

On climate justice, Modi stressed that India considers it a moral imperative. “Without affordable financing and technology transfer, climate action risks becoming mere rhetoric,” he warned, while urging developed nations to shoulder greater responsibility. 

India’s Green Credits Initiative, he said, was launched to incentivise sustainable practices.

Linking environmental concerns with global health, Modi said, “The health of the planet and the health of people are deeply connected.” 

He referenced the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting India’s ‘One Earth, One Health’ approach and its expanded global health cooperation.

Modi noted that India’s flagship public health initiative, Ayushman Bharat, now covers over 500 million people — the largest health insurance scheme globally. 

He also emphasised India’s promotion of traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga and its expanding digital health infrastructure, offering to share expertise with BRICS partners.

(KNN Bureau)