Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the session on “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance” at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, delivered a powerful message condemning terrorism and advocating urgent reforms in international institutions. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Prime Minister emphasized terrorism as a “grave threat to humanity” and stressed the need for structural transformation in global governance to better represent developing nations.
During a media briefing, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi stated that PM Modi’s remarks were made in the context of BRICS discussions on peace, security, and multilateral reform. The Prime Minister welcomed the collective condemnation by BRICS members of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it an attack on humanity itself.
“In the session on Peace and Security, the Honourable Prime Minister underlined that terrorism is a grave threat facing humanity. He emphasized that the Pahalgam terrorist attack must be viewed as an onslaught on humanity and stressed that those who fund, support, and provide safe havens to terrorists must be dealt with harshly,” Mr. Ravi said.
PM Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to the Global South, emphasizing that current global institutions are outdated and lack the capacity to address modern challenges effectively.
“He highlighted that global institutions established in the 20th century no longer reflect the realities and needs of the 21st century, especially for developing countries,” Mr. Ravi said. “The Prime Minister called for enhanced access to climate finance and technology for the Global South and advocated for reforming key multilateral organizations such as the United Nations Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.”
The Prime Minister called for a multipolar, inclusive world order and noted that a more balanced global architecture is necessary. He added that BRICS, as a diverse and multipolar platform, has a significant role to play in this transformation.
“In the session focused on strengthening multilateralism and economic affairs—including discussions on artificial intelligence—PM Modi stated that BRICS could help shape a more equitable and representative global order,” Ravi said.
The Prime Minister also proposed the creation of a science and research repository within BRICS to support innovation and ensure resilient supply chains for critical minerals. He further urged BRICS nations to collaborate on responsible use of artificial intelligence, ensuring it is aligned with ethical standards and sustainable development goals.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ravi informed that PM Modi would speak in an upcoming session on environmental issues, climate commitments, and global health. The Prime Minister is expected to underscore India’s leadership in pro-planet and pro-people initiatives.
“Tomorrow’s session will focus on the environment, COP 30, and health. The Honourable Prime Minister will reaffirm India’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and showcase initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance, Mission LiFE, and International Big Cats Alliance,” Ravi said.
On the BRICS joint declaration, Ravi mentioned that India’s key concerns and priorities were strongly reflected. The document includes a pivotal section emphasizing the reform of global multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations and its Security Council.
“I’d like to draw attention to Paragraph 6 of the declaration, which contains a strong endorsement for UN reforms, including making the Security Council more democratic, representative, and effective,” Mr. Ravi added. “This time, the formulation has been strengthened to support increased roles for emerging countries like India and Brazil in global decision-making.”
The declaration reads:
“Recognizing the 2023 Johannesburg-II Leaders’ Declaration, we reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council.”
This resounding call for inclusive reform underlines India’s growing influence in global diplomacy and highlights its commitment to shaping a more just, resilient, and equitable world order.
