Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, emphatically called for a fundamental shift in global decision-making, urging for the Global South to transition from mere representation to active participation in shaping international policies. The summit saw the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other world leaders.
Modi presented a comprehensive 10-point BRICS Reform Roadmap, designed to make global institutions more reflective of contemporary economic realities. This roadmap centers on three core pillars: representation, responsiveness, and rule-making in global governance.
Transforming Global Institutions
Highlighting a persistent imbalance, Prime Minister Modi stated, "The Global South sits in the front row of global organisations but remains in the back row of decision-making. We must transform this 'pyramid of privilege' into a 'platform of partnership', where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the progress of humanity lies at the core of every endeavour."
He underscored that existing global institutions often fail to adequately reflect the balance between representation and actual decision-making power, a dynamic he seeks to rectify through concerted efforts by the BRICS nations.
BRICS' Coming of Age
Modi also reflected on the evolution of BRICS itself, noting its significant progress over the past two decades. "Today, BRICS, too, has reached a moment of 'coming of age'. Over the past two decades, BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage. We respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. We strive to advance not by opposing anyone, but by taking everyone along," he asserted.
He urged the grouping to translate its internal unity and consensus into tangible results on the global stage, marking its 20th anniversary as a new phase of maturity and responsibility.
Key Reform Proposals
The proposed BRICS Reform Roadmap includes specific calls for action. Modi insisted that reforms to the United Nations Security Council can no longer be delayed, advocating for text-based negotiations with definitive timelines and clear outcomes. He also pushed for changes in international financial institutions, suggesting that their voting structures, leadership appointments, and policy priorities should better align with current economic landscapes.
Beyond governance, the Prime Minister proposed a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism to maintain institutional momentum and ensure follow-up on initiatives. Another notable suggestion was a "Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network," aimed at connecting maritime authorities and diplomatic missions to facilitate assistance during emergencies, including medical aid and evacuations for seafarers globally.