Modi urged a comprehensive overhaul of global governance bodies like the UN and WTO, arguing they no longer reflect the realities of the 21st century or the needs of the Global South.
He condemned the tokenism and selective approaches in addressing issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and terrorism, demanding consistent and fair global policies.
Citing India’s G20 leadership and BRICS expansion, Modi advocated for a more inclusive and multipolar global order where developing nations have real decision-making power.
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful call for reforming global governance institutions, arguing that they have consistently failed to represent or serve the interests of the Global South. He underscored that despite constituting two-thirds of humanity and a significant portion of today’s global economy, countries from the Global South remain largely excluded from decision-making in bodies like the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organization, and major development banks.
Modi criticized these institutions for clinging to outdated structures and failing to adapt to 21st-century realities such as pandemics, economic disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, and threats emerging in cyber and space domains. He pointed to a pattern of tokenism and double standards in how issues affecting the Global South—like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access—are addressed. The Prime Minister called for reforms that go beyond symbolism, demanding a structural overhaul that includes equitable voting rights, fair representation, and leadership roles for developing nations.
Drawing on India’s experience as the G20 president, Modi emphasized the country’s efforts to amplify the voice of the Global South and deepen cooperation among developing nations. He cited the recent expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE as an example of how inclusive growth can be achieved through timely and bold reform.
Modi concluded with a strong pitch for a new multipolar and inclusive world order, stressing that 21st-century global challenges cannot be tackled with 20th-century mindsets. He likened current global institutions to a mobile phone with a SIM card but no signal—present but ineffective. Reiterating India’s commitment to global equity and justice, he also called for a consistent and universal approach to combating terrorism, free from political selectivity.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)