Johannesburg, Nov 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the significance of robust collaboration among India, South Africa, and Brazil in the battle against terrorism, asserting that there is absolutely no room for double standards in this critical fight.

He suggested the formal establishment of an IBSA National Security Advisor (NSA) level meeting.

Speaking at the IBSA Leaders' Meeting in Johannesburg, PM Modi stated, "All three nations concur that global institutions are disconnected from the realities of the 21st century. None of our nations holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which underscores that global institutions do not reflect today's world. Hence, IBSA must send a unified message that institutional reform is a necessity, not merely an option."

"In the same vein, in our fight against terrorism, we need to advance through close cooperation. There is no place for any double standards concerning such a serious issue. For achieving global peace and prosperity, we must act together. In 2021, the inaugural NSA meeting of the three nations was held during India's IBSA chairmanship. To bolster security collaboration, we should institutionalize it," he added.

He pointed out that technology is pivotal in fostering human-centric development. He noted that IBSA can significantly contribute to emerging technologies, particularly in the realms of DPI and Artificial Intelligence.

PM Modi proposed the creation of an 'IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance', where digital public infrastructures like UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks, and initiatives led by women in tech can be exchanged among the three nations.

He further stated, "This will expedite the growth of our digital economies and produce scalable solutions for the Global South. Together, we can help formulate safe, reliable, and human-centered AI standards, potentially launching this at the upcoming AI Impact Summit in India next year."

Referring to IBSA as an "essential platform" uniting three continents, he remarked, "IBSA is more than just a trio of nations; it serves as a vital platform connecting three continents, three influential democratic nations, and three significant economies. It embodies a profound and close relationship, marked by diversity, shared values, and mutual aspirations."

"Today's IBSA Leaders' Meeting holds both historic and timely significance. This inaugural G20 Summit on the African continent marks the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South nations. The three IBSA countries have alternately held the G20 presidency over the past three years. During these summits, we have initiated numerous vital projects centered around shared priorities such as human-centric development, multilateral reform, and sustainable growth. Now, we must enhance these initiatives. To facilitate this, I have several suggestions regarding our cooperation," he remarked.

Currently, South Africa holds the IBSA chair. IBSA is a distinctive forum that unites India, Brazil, and South Africa, three major democracies and significant economies from three different continents, addressing similar challenges, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The grouping was formalized and designated as the IBSA Dialogue Forum when the foreign ministers of the three nations convened in Brasilia on June 6, 2023.