BRICS 2026: PM Modi calls for Global South to become ‘rule shaper’, urges UNSC reforms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for the Global South to move from the margins of global decision-making to a more influential role, saying developing countries must become “rule shapers” to address the challenges facing the world.

Addressing the opening session of the two-day 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Modi said the grouping had established a distinct identity on the global stage and was not directed against any country. His remarks come as BRICS leaders deliberate on strengthening multilateralism and shielding developing economies from the fallout of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

From ‘pyramid of privilege’ to partnership

Modi said the Global South remained disproportionately affected by global crises despite having limited influence over decisions that shaped the international order.

“Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of the decision-making process. We must transform this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership’—one where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity lies at the heart of every effort,” he said.

He said that the current global governance structure concentrated power and decision-making among a few countries, leaving others to bear the consequences without having a meaningful role in shaping policy. “The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid: power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while the lower tiers consist of nations that are affected by these decisions and are unable to shape them,” Modi said.

The prime minister also called for immediate reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying the issue could no longer be delayed. “UNSC reforms can no longer wait,” he said.

Modi proposes roadmap for global reforms

Modi proposed a roadmap for 10 global governance reforms to be pursued until the next BRICS Summit. He also called for strengthening the institutional momentum of BRICS and ensuring that the grouping’s cooperation continued to advance shared interests.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your active contribution and support in making India’s BRICS chairmanship a success. This year’s BRICS summit marks a historic milestone. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of BRICS. In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility,” Modi said. “We want to take everyone together and move forward,” he added.

Secure sea lanes key to global trade

Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Modi said global trade could progress only when maritime routes remained secure, supply chains stayed open and seafarers were protected.

“Global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe,” he said. The prime minister proposed creating a seafarers’ network among BRICS member countries to improve safety and cooperation in the maritime sector. He also suggested the creation of a secure digital repository for BRICS.

“We can create a secure, digital repository of BRICS. We need to guide the direction of global reforms,” Modi said.

Modi made the remarks in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Other leaders attending the summit include UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The summit’s first closed session, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, is focused on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.” The leaders are also scheduled to visit the Bharat Innovates exhibition, pose for a family photograph and participate in a joint tree plantation. Modi will host a gala dinner for the visiting leaders.

The summit will continue on Sunday with the participation of BRICS partner countries and outreach invitees. An open session titled “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth” is scheduled for the morning.