Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the urgent need to reform global institutions. He said these bodies have consistently failed to represent the needs and concerns of the Global South.

While speaking at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Modi addressed a session focused on peace, security, and global governance. He clearly stated that institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and global development banks had not changed in 80 years.

Global South Still Excluded

According to Modi, these institutions continue to ignore the voice of developing nations. “Whether it is about development, distribution of resources or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been prioritised,” he said.

Moreover, he pointed out that most of the world remains underrepresented. “Two-thirds of humanity is not adequately represented in global institutions built in the 20th century,” he said. “Countries that make up the majority of today’s global economy are not at the decision-making table.”

He further explained, “It is not just a question of representation but of credibility and effectiveness.” He compared these outdated systems to “a mobile with a SIM card but no network.”

India Champions Global South’s Concerns

India began positioning itself as the voice of the Global South during its G20 presidency in 2023. At that time, India reached out to developing countries and brought their issues to the global stage.

According to experts, India’s strong outreach also served to balance China’s global influence.

Current System Can’t Solve Today’s Crises

Modi said today’s global bodies are unfit to deal with modern problems. These include wars, pandemics, economic instability, cybercrime, and even space-related challenges.

“Today, the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order,” he said. “This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions.”

Real Change, Not Just Symbolism

Furthermore, Modi emphasized that reforms must be meaningful. “Governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions must change,” he said. “The challenges faced by countries in the Global South must be prioritised in policy-making.”

He praised BRICS for adapting and expanding by welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE. He added, “Now, we will have to show this same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO and multilateral development banks.”

Institutions Must Keep Up With the Times

Modi also warned against outdated systems. “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 80 years,” he said. “Twenty-first-century software cannot be run with 20th-century typewriters.”

He promised that India would help bring real change. “India will rise above its interests to make constructive contributions with the BRICS member countries on such matters,” he said.

Terrorism Must Be Condemned Always

Modi also spoke about the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He thanked BRICS countries for supporting India and urged a consistent stand against terrorism.

“Condemning terrorism should be our ‘principle’, not just a ‘convenience’,” he said. “If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity.”

PM Modi in Brazil for Bilateral Talks

Modi arrived in Brazil on Sunday as part of his five-nation tour. After the BRICS Summit in Rio, he will travel to Brasília for a state-level visit. Notably, this will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly 60 years.