BRICS 2026: Global South must now shape, not merely follow, rules, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for global governance reform that would turn the "pyramid of privilege" into a "platform of partnership" and proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network as well as a BRICS trio format like the G20, as India showcased the group's unity through the New Delhi Declaration's adoption by consensus. The troika structure would be aimed at maintaining continuity among rotating BRICS presidencies.

The PM made a strong case for global governance reforms that would give the Global South a bigger voice in the face of dominance by traditional powers.

"While strengthening BRICS, we must also chart the course for global reform. The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid. At the top, power and decision-making are concentrated, while at the bottom are countries that are affected by these decisions but have little say in shaping them," Modi rued. "I propose that we work together to formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, which we could seek to develop into a BRICS Reform Roadmap by the next summit."


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He was addressing the 18th BRICS Summit Session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism in the presence of the bloc's leaders including the presidents of China, Russia and Iran among others.

Pointing out that the Global South "is today in the front row of global crises, but in the back row of decision-making," Modi said, "We must transform this 'pyramid of privilege' into a 'platform of partnership' where every country has a voice, every member has a stake, and the advancement of humanity remains at the heart of every endeavour."

UNSC Expansion

In preparing the governance reform road map, Modi suggested that BRICS keep three key aspects in mind-representation, responsiveness and rule-making.

"First, with regard to representation, I would like to say that reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be delayed. The text-based negotiations on this issue must be linked to a clearly defined timeline and concrete outcomes," he said. "Similarly, in financial institutions, voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities should reflect today's economic realities. Countries that drive global economic growth should also have an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance."

Also Read: BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions

BRICS, it may be pointed out, has been calling for reform of the IMF and the World Bank. "Second, responsiveness: Global institutions will earn the trust of humanity only when they are able to provide effective solutions to global challenges. We must focus on the speed, scale, and last-mile impact of our collective response," Modi said.

On rule-making, he said the Global South needs to evolve from being "rule-takers into rule-shapers." Chinese President Xi Jinping said the West Asia war doesn't serve "common interests" in his remarks at the session. He also urged the BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence besides calling on BRICS to oppose violations of other countries' sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called for United Nations reforms, echoing India's views and backing its claims for a seat in an expanded Security Council. The Indian Prime Minister also laid emphasis on unity among BRICS nations on the 20th anniversary of the grouping amid differences among members, particularly in West Asia.

"BRICS too stands at a 'coming of age' moment. Over the past 10 years, BRICS has established a distinct identity for itself on the global stage. We respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. We strive to move ahead with an approach that is not against anyone but instead seeks to take everyone along," he said.

"It is now time for us to translate our unity and consensus within BRICS into concrete outcomes on the global stage. For the next 20 years, we must work on a new and ambitious agenda. We must begin by strengthening our own working systems." Amid attacks on Indian seafarers in West Asia and the Black Sea region, Modi also focused on the welfare of seafarers. India is the second biggest contributor to the seafaring community.

"Seafarers make a very significant contribution to global trade, yet they often find themselves without adequate support during times of difficulty," Modi said. "I propose whether we can establish a Seafarers Emergency Support Network. This network could connect the maritime authorities and missions of the countries concerned. It could facilitate distress alerts, medical assistance, communication with families, and support for evacuation."

In yet another forward-looking suggestion, Modi suggested a mechanism for continuity among BRICS presidencies.

"The BRICS chairship changes every year, but this should not interrupt our institutional momentum," the PM said. "I propose the establishment of a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism. Through the troika, this mechanism will ensure systematic follow-up on all initiatives and outcomes." China will hold the next BRICS presidency followed by South Africa.

The Indian PM also suggested that BRICS can create a secure digital repository in which, for every decision, the nodal point, timeline, and implementation status can be recorded. The PM referred to India's BRICS chairship, which is guided by a people-centric and humanity-first approach.