Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Modi Calls for BRICS Reforms and Stronger Global South Voice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a meeting of BRICS countries in New Delhi.
He said developing countries should have a bigger say in making global rules.
He described the current system as a pyramid where a few countries have most of the power.
He proposed changing it into a partnership where every country has a voice.
Modi said the United Nations Security Council needs reform soon, with negotiations tied to deadlines and clear results.
He also suggested training young diplomats from developing countries to negotiate and understand international law.
Another proposal would create a support network for sailors facing emergencies at sea.
The network could send distress alerts, provide medical help, contact families and arrange evacuations.
Modi also said BRICS should keep carrying out its decisions even when its yearly leadership changes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12, 2026.
Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap focused on representation, responsiveness and rule-making in global governance.
He said United Nations Security Council reform could no longer be delayed and urged negotiations with deadlines and concrete outcomes.
Modi called for Global South countries to become “rule-shapers” through greater institutional representation, diplomatic training and legal expertise.
He proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network and a BRICS digital system to track decisions, deadlines and implementation.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of the 11-member BRICS bloc, including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
- What
- Modi proposed global-governance reforms, called for United Nations Security Council reform, sought a stronger Global South role and proposed emergency support for seafarers.
- When
- September 12, 2026, during the opening of the two-day 18th BRICS Summit.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To improve representation and responsiveness in global institutions, give developing countries more influence over international rules and support seafarers during emergencies.
BRICS’ stated position
Criticism of BRICS
Purpose and alignment
BRICS’ stated position
Modi said BRICS respects different perspectives, works through consensus and is not against any country, but seeks to include everyone.
Criticism of BRICS
The articles reported that United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the 11-member bloc and called it “anti-America.”
- Summit
- The 18th BRICS Summit was hosted by India in New Delhi and involved an 11-member bloc.
- Governance roadmap
- Modi proposed ten reforms centered on representation, responsiveness and rule-making.
- Security Council
- He said reform negotiations should have a definite timeframe and clear outcomes.
- Global South
- Modi urged developing countries to move from being “rule-takers” to “rule-shapers.”
- Financial institutions
- He said voting rights, leadership positions and policy priorities should reflect current economic realities.
- Implementation mechanism
- Modi proposed a secure BRICS digital repository recording each decision’s responsible nodal point, deadline and implementation status.
- Seafarers network
- The proposed network would connect maritime authorities and diplomatic missions to provide distress alerts, medical assistance, family communication and evacuation support.
- BRICS economic weight
- One report said BRICS countries account for about 40% of global gross domestic product while holding less than one-fifth of International Monetary Fund voting rights.
