BRICS Summit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared the 18th BRICS Summit open in New Delhi and called upon BRICS leaders to work towards making the Global South a “rule-shaper” instead of remaining a “rule-taker”.
Speaking at the summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi also pushed for reforms in the United Nations Security Council and stressed that BRICS is “not against anyone” amid growing concerns in the United States over the grouping’s expanding influence.
“India’s BRICS chairship is based on a people-centric and humanity-first approach. Resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability have been our priorities. With these priorities, we have placed special emphasis on connecting the BRICS chairship with the common
people,” PM Modi said.
“This year’s BRICS Summit marks a historic milestone as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of BRICS. In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility. It is a stage when responsibilities are added to dreams and capabilities are given a new direction. Today, BRICS, too, is at its coming-of-age moment. Over the past 20 years, BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage.”
Here are 5 big takeaways from PM Modi’s speech at the BRICS Summit:
1. BRICS Is “Not Against Anyone”
PM Modi said BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is not against any country or grouping.
“Over the past 20 years, BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage. We respect each other’s perspectives and move forward through consensus. We are not against anyone; rather, we seek to move forward with the approach of taking everyone along,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised BRICS and described the grouping as “anti-America”.
2. Global South Should Become A “Rule-Shaper”
PM Modi said the Global South is on the frontlines of global crises but remains in the back row when it comes to decision-making. He called upon BRICS nations to help transform the Global South from a “rule taker” into a “rule shaper”.
“While strengthening BRICS, we must also chart the course for global reform. The current structure of global governance appears like a pyramid. At the top, power and decision-making are concentrated, while at the bottom are countries that are affected by these decisions but have little role in shaping them.
The third point I wish to raise concerns rule-making. Ensuring equal participation in defining future global rules is crucial. Domains such as AI, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology, and critical technologies are not only shaping future opportunities but also defining future rules. We should make efforts to make Global south from rule taker to rule shaper. Through BRICS, we can equip young diplomats and policymakers from Global South nations with negotiation skills, practical training, and legal expertise,” he said.
3. “The Right To Shape Future Should Be Shared”
PM Modi said that if countries share a common future, they should also have an equal say in shaping it.
“The message from this BRICS Summit being hosted by India should be clear. If our future is shared, the right to shape that future should also be shared. From voice to impact, from privilege to partnership, this should be the guiding resolve of BRICS at present. Thank you very much.”
The Prime Minister’s message centred on giving developing countries a greater voice in decisions that shape the global economic and political order.
4. UNSC Reform “Can’t Be Delayed”
PM Modi called for time-bound reforms of global institutions and said the reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed.
He also called for changes in voting rights and leadership positions in international financial institutions to reflect the current global economic landscape.
“Regarding representation, I would like to state that reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed. Negotiations on this matter must be linked to a definite timeframe and clear outcomes. Similarly, voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities within financial institutions must align with today’s economic realities. Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance,” the PM said.
5. PM Modi Proposes BRICS Continuity And Implementation Mechanism
PM Modi proposed a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism to ensure that decisions taken by the grouping are followed up through the Troika.
“I propose a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism. Under this, all initiatives and outcomes can be followed up through the Troika. We can create a secure digital repository where, along with every decision, the nodal point, timeline and implementation status can be recorded,” he said.
The mechanism is aimed at ensuring greater continuity and accountability in implementing initiatives and decisions taken under the BRICS framework.
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