PM Modi Urges Global South To Shape Rules At BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for the Global South to emerge as a “rule shaper” in international decision-making as he opened the two-day BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

The summit, which includes leaders from major BRICS nations, aims to focus on greater cooperation among emerging economies while seeking a stronger role for the Global South in shaping the international economic and governance architecture.

Modi said developing economies are often the first to face the consequences of global crises but remain underrepresented when major international decisions are taken. He emphasized the need for transforming the existing global governance structure, which resembles a pyramid where decision-making power remains concentrated at the top.

The Prime Minister proposed that BRICS members jointly prepare 10 proposals for global governance reforms, which could eventually form a BRICS reform roadmap by the next summit. He also made a strong pitch for immediate UN Security Council reforms, saying changes to the global body could no longer be delayed.

Modi stressed that BRICS has developed a distinct identity on the global stage while emphasizing that the grouping is not directed against any country. His comments came as leaders gathered amid geopolitical tensions and concerns over the impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia on developing economies.

The BRICS Summit includes leaders from Russia, China, Iran, and South Africa, among others. Modi also proposed creating a BRICS seafarers’ network aimed at improving the safety and welfare of maritime workers across member nations.

The proposal comes as maritime security and the protection of global trade routes gain importance amid geopolitical disruptions. The summit is expected to conclude on Sunday, with leaders discussing various issues related to global governance, economic cooperation, and security.

The Global South, which includes emerging economies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, has been seeking a greater role in international decision-making. The BRICS grouping, which was formed in 2006, has been a key platform for these countries to coordinate their policies and promote their interests.

The summit is significant, as it comes at a time when the global economy is facing numerous challenges, including rising trade tensions, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts. The outcome of the summit is expected to have a significant impact on the global economy and international relations.

In his opening remarks, Modi emphasized the need for greater cooperation among emerging economies to address these challenges. He also stressed the importance of reforming global governance structures to make them more representative and inclusive.

The BRICS Summit is expected to conclude with a joint declaration, outlining the grouping's priorities and objectives for the next year. The declaration is expected to include proposals for global governance reforms, economic cooperation, and security.

Overall, the BRICS Summit is an important platform for emerging economies to promote their interests and shape the international economic and governance architecture. The summit's outcome is expected to have a significant impact on the global economy and international relations.

The Global South's emergence as a rule shaper in international decision-making is crucial for promoting greater cooperation and stability in the global economy. The BRICS Summit is an important step towards achieving this goal, and its outcome is expected to be closely watched by policymakers and analysts around the world.

In conclusion, the BRICS Summit is a significant event that highlights the growing importance of emerging economies in international relations. The summit's outcome is expected to have a major impact on the global economy and international governance, and its significance cannot be overstated.