Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a stronger and more influential role for the Global South at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, saying developing nations should move from being “rule-takers” to “rule-shapers” in global affairs.
Addressing the inaugural session at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said the world is entering a period in which emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, biotechnology, outer space and other critical technologies will shape not only future opportunities but also the rules governing them.
He proposed that BRICS countries work together to formulate a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform, with the aim of turning it into a BRICS reform roadmap by the next summit.
Modi also called for greater continuity in BRICS initiatives despite the grouping’s rotating presidency. He proposed a continuity and implementation mechanism through the “Troika” arrangement so that decisions and initiatives taken during one presidency could be followed up under subsequent presidencies.
Reflecting on BRICS’ evolution, Modi said the grouping had reached a moment of “coming of age” after two decades of existence. He highlighted the bloc’s consensus-based approach and said its members should now translate their internal unity into tangible results on the global stage.
The summit brought several major world leaders together in New Delhi. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those welcomed by Modi at the venue.
Xi’s arrival was particularly significant as he is visiting New Delhi for the BRICS summit, with a bilateral meeting with Modi expected to be closely watched. Xi also announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit.
Modi also proposed the creation of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network under BRICS. The proposed mechanism would connect maritime authorities and missions of member countries to provide assistance during distress situations, including medical help, communication with families and evacuation.
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions, including divisions over the West Asia conflict. Differences between Iran and the UAE have complicated efforts to reach consensus on a joint declaration.
India has been seeking to keep the focus on cooperation, development and the interests of the Global South while navigating these differences among BRICS members.
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