New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a greater role for the Global South in global decision-making, urging developing nations to move from being “rule-takers” to “rule-shapers” as he opened the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the leaders attending the summit.
Modi said the existing global governance system resembles a “pyramid of privilege”, where powerful nations dominate decisions while countries most affected by them have limited influence. He called for transforming it into a “platform of partnership” where every nation has a voice and stake.
The Prime Minister proposed a 10-point BRICS Reform Roadmap focused on three pillars — representation, responsiveness and rule-making.
He called for time-bound, text-based negotiations on reforming the UN Security Council and urged changes to voting structures, leadership positions and policy priorities of international financial institutions to reflect current economic realities.
Modi also proposed a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism through the Troika system to maintain momentum and track initiatives, supported by a digital repository.
A “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” was also suggested to connect maritime authorities and diplomatic missions for emergency assistance, including medical evacuation.
Calling BRICS a “coming of age” grouping after two decades, Modi said its consensus-based unity should now translate into tangible global outcomes. India is hosting the summit on September 12–13 under its 2026 chairship.
Modi, UAE Crown Prince Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnership
India and the UAE discussed ways to deepen their Strategic Partnership across key sectors, including defence, artificial intelligence, space, critical minerals, energy, food security and connectivity. The discussions also covered strengthening investment ties, exploring opportunities in strategic energy infrastructure and advancing IMEC connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two sides were “raising our ambitions even higher” and emphasised that a strong India-UAE partnership could contribute to “stability, prosperity and peace” amid uncertainty in West Asia.
BRICS Summit Adopts ‘New Delhi Declaration’, Focuses on Conflict Prevention
The BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday unanimously adopted the ‘New Delhi Declaration’, with member countries stressing the importance of conflict prevention, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. The declaration comes as BRICS marks 20 years of its formation.
Modi Pushes BRICS Implementation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a Troika arrangement to track the implementation of BRICS decisions and ensure continuity between successive presidencies. He also advocated a secure digital repository to preserve institutional knowledge, monitor progress and improve coordination among member countries.
20 Years of BRICS
To commemorate two decades of BRICS, Modi also launched two postage stamps marking the grouping’s 20-year journey. The initiatives came during India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, with the summit being held in New Delhi on September 12–13.
