New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe and stressed that India is a staunch advocate of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.

Addressing the BRICS Business Forum 2026 ahead of the formal opening of the BRICS Summit on Saturday, PM Modi said BRICS countries represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP, and more than 25% of global trade.

Not only that, over these years, while global GDP has grown by around 2.5 times, the combined GDP of BRICS countries has grown by around 4.5 times, he said.

"In other words, the economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the ...