PM Modi Calls Out Inequity Faced By Global South At BRICS Summit: 'Token Gestures, Not True Support'

At the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong and clear message about the global imbalance in governance structures and the urgent need to reform institutions that no longer reflect today’s geopolitical and economic realities.

Modi began his address by hailing the expansion of the BRICS group, now including newer members beyond the founding five (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), as a sign of adaptability. “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,” he said. He then urged that the same momentum be applied to reforming global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Multilateral Development Banks.

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Outdated Global Institutions

In a scathing critique, PM Modi stated that two-thirds of humanity remain underrepresented in global bodies formed in the 20th century. He said, “Countries that have a major contribution to today's global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table.” Calling it not just a matter of fairness but of credibility and effectiveness, he added, “Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network.”

Modi emphasised that institutional reforms must go beyond symbolism. “Today, the world needs a new, multipolar, and inclusive world order. It will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions,” he declared. He underscored that many international institutions are unable to address 21st-century challenges, such as modern conflicts, pandemics, economic instability, and threats in cyberspace.

Double Standards Faced By Global South

PM Modi took aim at the systemic neglect of the Global South, saying, “Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been given priority.” He accused wealthy nations of offering only “token gestures” in critical areas like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access.

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Highlighting the contrast between the rapid pace of technological innovation and stagnant institutional frameworks, Modi quipped, “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.”