Modi asks BRICS to remove top 10 trade barriers, pitches India as ‘economic bridge’ amid global uncertainty

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on BRICS members to identify and remove their top 10 trade barriers, saying India was building "economic bridges" as trade barriers increase around the world and positioning the country as a source of growth and stability amid global uncertainties.

He also stressed the importance of secure maritime routes and the safety of seafarers for uninterrupted trade. "Secured sea lines, safe seafarers important for safe, seamless trade," Modi said.

Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi said India's approach to BRICS was to create more opportunities, with the grouping entering its third decade.


"As trade barriers increase the world over, India is building economic bridges," Modi said.

"India's approach in BRICS is simple, too, to build more opportunities," he added.

Modi urged the BRICS Council to identify the biggest obstacles to trade within the grouping and prepare a report on removing them.

"BRICS is entering its 3rd decade, and I urge the council to make a report on removing the top ten trade barriers amongst the member nations," he said.

Modi said India was emerging as a centre for development and a global solutions hub, pointing to startups, artificial intelligence and digital payments as areas where the country was expanding its capabilities.

"India today is a paramount example of stability and growth," Modi said, adding, "India is becoming the global's centre for development."