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| PM Narendra Modi addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing. (Photo: PM India Website) |
YMAM Desk
June 7, 2025, New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said recent natural disasters across continents highlight the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and coordinated disaster response.
He was addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing.
Emphasizing the conference theme, ‘Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions’, Prime Minister Modi warned of growing vulnerability of coastal and island nations to climate change and disasters. He cited events such as Cyclone Remal, Hurricane Beryl, and Typhoon Yagi as recent examples.
He pointed out that these disasters - spanning India, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the U.S., the Philippines, and Africa - have inflicted widespread loss of life and property. PM Modi called for urgent, collective efforts to safeguard communities through stronger infrastructure.
Recalling India's experience with the 1999 super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, the Prime Minister said the country has rebuilt with resilience. He noted the creation of cyclone shelters and India’s contribution to the regional tsunami warning system aiding 29 nations.
Highlighting India's commitment, PM Modi said the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is working with 25 Small Island Developing States to develop robust homes, hospitals, schools, energy systems, and water and early warning infrastructure.
Outlining five global priorities, PM Modi first called for integrating disaster resilience modules into higher education to create a skilled workforce capable of responding to future climate threats effectively and scientifically.
Second, he proposed a global digital repository of best practices, enabling countries to learn from each other’s disaster experiences and strategies for recovery and infrastructure resilience.
As a third focus, the Prime Minister called for innovative financing to ensure that developing countries can access timely funding for resilient infrastructure projects. He stressed the need for practical, scalable financial solutions.
Fourth, PM Modi reaffirmed India's view of Small Island Developing States as "Large Ocean Countries" and stressed the importance of tailoring support to their specific vulnerabilities, especially in the context of rising sea levels.
Fifth, he called for strengthened early warning systems and improved coordination to ensure timely alerts and last-mile communication, calling them crucial tools for disaster preparedness and response.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi urged all nations to collaborate in building infrastructure that can endure extreme events, stressing the importance of long-term resilience in global development efforts.