Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a stronger and more meaningful voice for the Global South at the opening session of the 18th BRICS Summit, stressing that developing nations must move from being mere “rule takers” to becoming active “rule shapers” in global governance.
Addressing the summit, PM Modi said that countries of the Global South are often at the forefront of major global challenges but remain underrepresented in the institutions and processes where key international decisions are made. He emphasized that India is ready to play a leading role in bringing about this change.
“While strengthening BRICS, we must also chart a course for global reform,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the need to make international institutions more representative, inclusive and responsive to the concerns of developing countries.
Using the analogy of a pyramid, PM Modi said the present global governance structure concentrates power and decision-making at the top, while countries at the lower levels are largely affected by decisions without having an adequate role in shaping them.
The Prime Minister urged BRICS nations to work collectively towards transforming this model into a platform based on partnership, equality and shared responsibility. His remarks came in the presence of leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
PM Modi’s message placed global governance reform and greater representation for developing nations at the centre of India’s BRICS agenda, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a more balanced and inclusive international order.
