Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a greater role for the Global South in international decision-making, calling for developing countries to go beyond merely being followers of the rules and act as players in shaping them.

Speaking at the 18 th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Modi called for a more inclusive and equitable global governance system. He said that countries of the Global South are often among the first to feel the effects of global crises, but rarely play a leading role in major international decision-making processes.

The Global South Must Have a Stronger Voice

Speaking at the BRICS Summit session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism, Prime Minister Modi called for more equitable and inclusive global governance as the world’s developing countries are among the first to face the effects of international crises but rarely take a leading role in making major international decisions.

He said: “We must transform the pyramid of privilege into a platform of partnership in which all countries have a voice and a stake in the affairs of humanity.”

Modi added that as the international economic and geopolitical environment undergoes a fundamental transformation, global governance systems must reflect the dynamics of the present while also taking into account the needs of emerging and developing countries.

PM Modi Pushes for United Nations Security Council Reform

Among other issues raised by the Prime Minister at the Summit, one of the most pressing is the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

India has long advocated reform of the UNSC and other international institutions to ensure greater representation of developing countries. Modi warned that it will not be possible to achieve lasting peace and stability in a world characterized by growing strategic competition and economic uncertainty, particularly in light of the growing importance of emerging economies.

To ensure greater inclusiveness and effectiveness, reforms of international organizations such as the United Nations are needed.

BRICS to Help Build Future Global Leaders

Another important idea expressed by Prime Minister Modi at the BRICS Summit is to use the BRICS platform to train young diplomats and negotiators from the Global South.

He proposed using BRICS to enhance the skills of young people from developing countries in such areas as:

• International negotiations
• Diplomacy
• Legal practice
• Global policy development
• Multilateralism

This approach could enable developing countries to play a more effective role in international negotiations and decision-making on pressing global issues.

Support for Seafarers During Global Emergencies

Stressing the importance of seafarers to the global economy, Modi proposed the creation of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network.

The idea is to provide emergency assistance to seafarers in distress and better organize their evacuation in emergency situations. This initiative fits into a wider effort to ensure that the cooperation between BRICS countries is as effective as possible in addressing the challenges faced by their citizens.

India’s View of a More Inclusive World Order

Modi’s ideas at the BRICS Summit reflect India’s position in favor of reform of global governance and greater international cooperation. As geopolitical rivalries, economic volatility, digitalization, and various crises negatively affect the lives of people in all countries, India is positioning itself as a global leader that will drive the transformation of international relations.

India’s Prime Minister once again underlined the importance of a more just and equitable world order, which would take into account the needs of the developing countries of the Global South.