Global South Must Shift From Rule Taker To Rule Shaper, Modi Tells BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened the two-day BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, calling for the Global South to emerge as a "rule shaper" rather than a "rule taker" in international decision-making. Modi said developing economies often face consequences of global crises first but remain underrepresented when major international decisions are taken.

Addressing BRICS leaders, Modi described the existing global governance structure as a pyramid with decision-making power concentrated at the top. He proposed transforming this into a "platform of partnership" to give every country a stronger voice and stake in global affairs. Modi suggested BRICS members jointly prepare 10 proposals for global governance reforms, which could form a BRICS reform roadmap by the next summit.

The Prime Minister also called for immediate UN Security Council reforms, stressing that changes can no longer be delayed. He emphasized that BRICS has developed a distinct identity on the global stage while asserting the grouping is not directed against any country.