‘Global South Victim Of Double Standards’: PM Modi At BRICS Summit Presses For UN, WTO Reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking during the Plenary Session on Peace, Security, and Global Governance Reform at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, urged for comprehensive reforms in global institutions, asserting they are outdated for the challenges of the modern era.
Addressing leaders of the BRICS nations, PM Modi criticised the outdated nature of key international organisations formed in the last century, arguing they fail to address contemporary global issues ranging from conflicts and pandemics to economic crises and cyber threats. “The global institutions formed in the 20th century are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, pandemics, economic crises, or the newly emerging challenges in cyberspace, these institutions have no solutions,” he stated at the summit, according to ANI.
Global South Left Behind, Says Modi
The Prime Minister highlighted the persistent neglect faced by the Global South, describing it as a victim of double standards. “The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been given priority. On issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures,” he said.
Emphasising the need for an inclusive and multipolar world order, he added, “Today, the world needs a new, multipolar, and inclusive world order. It will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible.”
Underscoring the lack of representation for two-thirds of humanity in decision-making processes, PM Modi pointed out that countries significantly contributing to the global economy remain excluded from these crucial platforms. “Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century. Countries that have a major contribution to today’s global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation but also a question of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network,” he remarked.
“Typewriters Can’t Run 21st-Century Software”: PM Modi At BRICS Summit 2025
Reiterating the urgency of change, Modi asserted, “In the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable for a global institution not to be updated even once in eighty years. Twentieth-century typewriters cannot run twenty-first-century software.”
Highlighting the adaptability of BRICS, Modi noted its recent expansion as evidence of the group’s evolving nature. “The expansion of BRICS and the joining of new friends is proof that BRICS is an organisation that can change itself according to the times. Now, we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO and Multilateral Development Banks,” he said.
The 17th BRICS Summit, hosted in Brazil from 7 to 9 July, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
BRICS Family Photo
Prime Minister Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and other leaders took part in the traditional family photo session at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro. The Ministry of External Affairs posted on X (formerly Twitter) affirming the group’s “collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values.”
Sharing the moment online, PM Modi wrote on X, “With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future.”
Earlier, Modi met with President Ramaphosa and expressed gratitude towards President Lula for hosting the summit. “Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa!” he wrote, adding separately, “Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year’s BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good.”
During the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to exchange views on key global issues, including peace, security, multilateralism, artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic matters.
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