Prime Minister Modi calls for Global South to move from rule-taker to rule-shaper
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for more inclusive global governance, greater Global South representation and stronger multilateralism while chairing a BRICS session in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a lighter moment with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13, 2026.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a more inclusive global governance system that gives the Global South a greater role in shaping international rules and decisions.
Modi made the remarks while chairing the BRICS session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12, 2026.
From privilege to partnership
Emphasising the growing role of the Global South, Modi said countries of the region are at the “front row of global crises” but remain at the “back row of decision-making”.
He called for transforming the “pyramid of privilege” into a “platform of partnership”, arguing that global governance must reflect contemporary realities.
The Prime Minister particularly stressed the need for greater representation of developing countries in international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.
Global South must become rule-shaper
Modi also called for efforts to help the Global South move from being a rule-taker to a rule-shaper.
He proposed that BRICS could play a role in developing the capabilities of young diplomats and policymakers from the Global South by providing negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise.
The proposal seeks to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to participate more effectively in international negotiations and policymaking.
Support network for seafarers
The Prime Minister also highlighted the contribution of seafarers to global trade and pointed to the lack of adequate support available to them during times of crisis.
He proposed establishing a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to provide greater assistance to seafarers facing emergencies.
Concluding his remarks, Modi said that if the future is shared, the right to shape that future must also be shared — “from voice to impact, from privilege to partnership”.
New Delhi declaration adopted
The session concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, setting out the shared priorities, commitments and direction for BRICS cooperation.
The Prime Minister’s opening remarks are available on the Ministry of External Affairs website:
Prime Minister’s Opening Remarks
The New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration is available here:
New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration
