Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising that the interests of the Global South must be given due importance in decision-making bodies that were built in the 20th century but continue to shape 21st-century challenges.
Addressing the BRICS session on the ‘Reform of Global Governance’ in Rio de Janeiro, the Prime Minister extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the “excellent organisation” of the summit and praised his “vision and unwavering commitment” in energising the bloc.
PM Modi remarked that under Brazil’s leadership, BRICS cooperation had received not just an “espresso” but a “double espresso shot”, applauding President Lula’s dynamic role. He also congratulated Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS grouping, calling it a welcome expansion of the bloc’s partnership.
Highlighting the persistent neglect faced by the Global South, the PM said that developing nations have often been met with “double standards” on issues such as development, fair distribution of resources, and security. He pointed out that promises on climate finance, sustainable development, and technology transfer have frequently amounted to “nothing more than token gestures”.
“Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that this lack of inclusion affects the credibility and effectiveness of such bodies. Drawing an analogy, PM Modi said, “Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network.”
Calling for a new “multipolar and inclusive world order”, the Prime Minister urged BRICS nations to push for reforms in major global institutions, including the UN Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and Multilateral Development Banks. He stressed that these changes must go beyond symbolism and deliver tangible results, including reforms in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership roles.
“In an age where technology evolves every week, it is unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to work constructively with BRICS partners to advance the interests of the Global South and humanity at large.
“India has always considered it a duty to rise above self-interest and work for the greater good of humanity. We remain fully committed to contributing to this shared goal,” he said.
The summit, underway in Brazil from July 7 to 9, is bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.
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