Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed leaders of BRICS nations at the bloc’s 18th summit in New Delhi, calling for stronger representation for the “Global South” in international decision-making bodies.
Modi said developing countries should not remain mere followers of rules framed elsewhere, but should also become creators and leaders of global norms. He added that BRICS could be used to build capacity among young diplomats and policy makers from developing nations through training in negotiation, practical skills and legal knowledge.
Referring to multiple global crises, Modi noted that Global South countries are often on the front lines of impact, but remain in the back row when key decisions are taken. He urged members to work toward a more inclusive platform where every country’s voice is reflected and each member has a meaningful contribution, with humanity’s progress at the centre.
As part of India’s push for reforms in global governance, Modi proposed drafting a 10-point plan for reforms in institutions such as the UN Security Council, to be prepared before the next BRICS summit. He suggested the initiative be developed as a “BRICS Reform Action Plan,” prioritising representation, accountability in implementation and rule-making.
The two-day summit began at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, with leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian attending. BRICS, which represents about 40% of the world’s population, has expanded in recent years with the addition of six countries in 2024.
