BRICS Has Evolved; Now Major Reforms Needed in UNSC and WTO Too… Says PM Modi in Brazil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly presented his views on the global governance system during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He said that institutions established in the 20th century do not represent two-thirds of humanity today, and until the voice of the Global South is included in the decision-making process, these institutions will remain ineffective.

Thanking President Lula for hosting BRICS, PM Modi said the new energy that has been received cannot be expressed in words. He congratulated Indonesia on joining the BRICS family. He said that the expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new friends is proof that BRICS is an organization that has transformed itself with time. Now, we must show the same willpower to reform institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and multilateral development banks.

Institutions Are Old, Challenges Are New: PM Modi

The Prime Minister noted that the Global South—referring to developing nations—has received merely symbolic support on critical issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and access to technology. Questioning the functioning of global institutions, PM Modi said that these institutions are neither able to prevent conflicts, nor are they able to deal with pandemics and economic crises, nor are they offering any solutions to new threats like cyber and space.

‘Committed to Working With Partners’

Prime Minister Modi said that without the Global South, these institutions are like mobile phones with SIM cards but no network connectivity. The voice of the Global South must be included in global institutions. He stated that India has consistently prioritized the welfare of humanity and has always acted beyond self-interest. PM Modi affirmed, “We are fully committed to collaborating with our partners.”

20th Century Typewriters Cannot Run 21st Century Software

Prime Minister Modi said that in today’s AI-driven era, where technology evolves weekly, it is unacceptable for a global institution to remain unchanged for 80 years. He said that 20th-century typewriters cannot operate 21st-century software.