New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi said on Sunday that the Global South has been a victim of double standards when it comes to development, distribution of resources or security-related issues.
Strongly making a case for comprehensive reforms in global governance structures, Modi emphasised the need to better represent the Global South in 21st-century decision-making.
He remarked that the Global South has been handed nothing more than token gestures on climate finance, sustainable development and technology access.
“Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century. Countries that have a major contribution to today’s global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation but also a question of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network,” Modi said while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Highlighting the persistent marginalisation of the Global South, Modi said, “Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been given priority. On issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures.”
He said BRICS was an example of changing with times.
“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. Now, we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO and Multilateral Development Banks,” Modi stated.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE, and Indonesia joined it in 2025.
Modi said India is fully committed to making constructive contributions, together with BRICS countries, on all issues.
