Modi urges BRICS to draft 10-point reform plan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on BRICS countries to prepare a 10-point joint proposal for reforming the global governance system, with greater representation for the Global South in international decision-making.

Addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday (September 12), Modi said the grouping should work to transform its growing unity into concrete global action. He stressed that the international system should become more representative, inclusive and responsive to the interests of developing countries. 

Modi also called for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the present global institutions do not adequately reflect today’s geopolitical and economic realities. He urged BRICS members to play a stronger role in shaping international rules and institutions. 

The Indian prime minister proposed preparing a BRICS Reform Roadmap focusing on representation, responsiveness and rule-making. He said the Global South should have a stronger voice in global governance rather than remaining on the margins of major international decisions. 

The summit is being held amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including renewed conflict in the Middle East and growing disputes over trade and sanctions. BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, calling for maximum restraint and a multilateral approach to resolving international conflicts. 

BRICS, which has expanded beyond its original members of Brazil, Russia, India and China, has increasingly sought to present itself as a platform for greater influence by emerging economies. The group now represents a substantial share of the world’s population and economy, although differences among members remain a challenge to collective action.