New Delhi: In a significant global address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025 via videoconferencing, reinforcing India’s commitment to global cooperation in building resilient infrastructure. The event, held for the first time in Europe, was hosted in collaboration with the Government of France and supported by President Emmanuel Macron.
The conference, themed “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions,” brought together global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable solutions for disaster resilience, especially in the face of increasing climate-related calamities and rising vulnerabilities of coastal and island communities.
🌊 Vulnerabilities of Coastal Regions and Disasters Across the Globe
PM Modi began his address by highlighting the immense vulnerability of coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to natural disasters and climate change. He mentioned recent catastrophic events such as:
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Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh
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Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean
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Typhoon Yagi in South-East Asia
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Hurricane Helene in the United States
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Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines
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Cyclone Chido affecting parts of Africa
These disasters, the PM noted, have resulted in massive loss of life and infrastructure, underlining the urgency for stronger, more resilient infrastructure and systems.
🇮🇳 India’s Resilience Journey and Contribution
Recollecting India’s own experience with major disasters, including the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Prime Minister emphasized the country’s journey toward resilience.
Key milestones included:
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Construction of cyclone shelters across coastal belts
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Establishment of the Indian Tsunami Warning System, now benefiting 29 countries in the region
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Expansion of early warning systems, disaster education, and preparedness initiatives
🌐 Global Partnership via International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025
The PM spotlighted the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an international initiative spearheaded by India. Currently, 25 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are actively partnering with CDRI to enhance their capacity by building:
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Resilient homes, schools, hospitals, and energy systems
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Water security infrastructure
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Early warning mechanisms
He welcomed the participation of nations from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and African Union, reinforcing India’s global solidarity in building resilience.
📌 Five Key Global Priorities Outlined by PM Modi
The Prime Minister presented five pivotal global priorities to strengthen international cooperation and capacity-building in disaster resilience:
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Disaster Resilience in Higher Education:
Integration of resilience-related modules, courses, and skill-building programs into academic curricula to develop a future-ready, trained workforce. -
Global Digital Repository of Learnings:
Proposal for a centralized digital archive to document global best practices, recovery models, and knowledge from past disaster responses. -
Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Resilience:
Stressing the need for accessible and actionable funding models, especially for developing nations, to ensure equitable implementation of disaster-prevention and recovery projects. -
Support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS):
Reiterated India’s view of SIDS as “Large Ocean Countries”, advocating special attention and support for their unique vulnerabilities. -
Early Warning Systems and Coordination:
Emphasized the enhancement of real-time early warning systems, last-mile communication, and inter-governmental coordination for disaster preparedness.
🏗️ Call to Build Timeless Infrastructure
In a stirring conclusion, PM Modi called for the creation of infrastructure that is not just modern but also “steadfast against time and tide.” He advocated a resilience-oriented development strategy that integrates environmental sensitivity, inclusive planning, and technology.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing discussions at the conference would lead to actionable outcomes, global cooperation, and concrete policies that ensure a safer and more sustainable world.
🌍 India’s Global Vision for a Resilient Future
The Prime Minister’s speech at ICDRI 2025 reflects India’s proactive stance in climate action, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. India’s emphasis on global collaboration, combined with its technological leadership in early warning systems and coalition-building through CDRI, positions it as a key player in shaping global infrastructure policies for the 21st century.
The address also complements India’s upcoming participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection, blue economy, and climate resilience.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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