News Desk
In a world grappling with geopolitical tensions and economic disparities, the 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, emerged as a pivotal platform for redefining global cooperation. At its heart was India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose compelling address underscored India’s rising leadership in championing the Global South.
By advocating for equitable governance, technological innovation, and collective resilience, Modi positioned India as a beacon of hope and progress for developing nations. His speech not only highlighted India’s commitment to South-South cooperation but also outlined a forward-looking vision for a multipolar world order, reinforcing India’s role as a unifying force for emerging economies.
The concept of the Global South unites nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, bound by shared histories of colonialism and a collective resolve to address global inequalities. Rooted in historic movements like the 1955 Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, these countries have long sought to reshape a world order historically skewed toward Western dominance. Through South-South cooperation, they aim to foster mutual development, equitable trade, and sovereignty over resources.
The BRICS Summit, with its expanded membership including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, provided a dynamic stage for advancing this vision. India, under Modi’s leadership, has emerged as a pivotal advocate, leveraging its economic growth, technological advancements, and diplomatic finesse to amplify the Global South’s voice.
PM Modi’s address at the 17th BRICS Summit was a masterclass in diplomatic vision, blending pragmatism with aspiration. Speaking at the plenary session on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence,” he emphasized the urgent need to reform global institutions to reflect 21st-century realities.
“Two-thirds of humanity lacks adequate representation in global decision-making bodies,” Modi declared, critiquing the outdated structures of organizations like the UN Security Council and the World Trade Organization. He argued that these institutions, designed in the 20th century, are ill-equipped to address modern challenges, likening them to “running 21st-century software on a 20th-century typewriter.”
Modi’s speech resonated with the Global South’s long-standing grievances, particularly the marginalization of developing nations in global governance. He called for greater voting rights, leadership roles, and policy prioritization for the Global South, emphasizing that their challenges—climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access—demand concrete action, not mere gestures.
His advocacy for a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism, referencing the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, struck a chord, with BRICS leaders issuing a joint condemnation of terrorism and supporting India’s push for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
India’s role at the summit extended beyond rhetoric, showcasing tangible contributions to global cooperation. Modi highlighted the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, established in India, as a model for sharing best practices in agri-biotechnology to enhance food security across member nations. He also proposed a BRICS Science and Research Repository to foster innovation and knowledge-sharing, particularly for the Global South.
In the realm of technology, Modi championed India’s “AI for All” vision, emphasizing responsible AI governance while promoting its transformative potential in agriculture, healthcare, and education. His announcement of India hosting the 2026 AI Impact Summit underscored India’s ambition to lead global standards in emerging technologies.
Modi’s bilateral engagements on the summit’s sidelines further cemented India’s diplomatic clout. His discussions with leaders like Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez focused on deepening ties in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing India’s role as a partner in development.
His state visit to Brazil post-summit, marked by talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships. These efforts, coupled with Modi’s five-nation tour across Africa and Latin America, underscored India’s proactive diplomacy in building bridges with the Global South.
As India prepares to assume the BRICS presidency in 2026, Modi outlined an ambitious agenda centered on “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
This vision aligns with India’s broader contributions to the Global South, from its leadership in the G20—where it prioritized inclusivity—to its advocacy for climate action and economic resilience. The summit’s Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which emphasized multilateralism, sustainable development, and technological cooperation, reflected India’s influence in shaping BRICS as a platform for equitable progress.
India’s economic and technological advancements bolster its leadership credentials. With a GDP growth rate projected to exceed 7% in 2025, India is a powerhouse in the Global South, driving innovation in digital infrastructure like UPI and affordable healthcare solutions.
The 17th BRICS Summit highlighted both the promise and complexities of South-South cooperation. With members navigating diverse relationships with global powers like the U.S. and Russia, and addressing conflicts like the Israel-Palestine crisis, Modi’s call for balanced diplomacy and peaceful resolutions resonated widely. His emphasis on secure supply chains for critical minerals and sustainable financing through the BRICS New Development Bank addressed pressing economic challenges, positioning India as a pragmatic leader.
While the Global South faces hurdles—such as limited access to climate finance and technology—India’s proactive stance offers hope. Modi’s critique of “double standards” in global resource distribution struck a chord, galvanizing support for reforms that prioritize developing nations. His ability to secure BRICS’ backing against terrorism further highlighted India’s diplomatic success in rallying international support.
Modi’s address at the 17th BRICS Summit was a defining moment, cementing India’s role as a leader of the Global South. By advocating for institutional reforms, responsible AI, and agricultural innovation, India is not only addressing its own developmental goals but also uplifting its partners. The nation’s commitment to inclusivity, evident in its domestic policies and global outreach, positions it as a trusted voice for emerging economies.
As India gears up for its 2026 BRICS presidency, the world watches a nation that has transformed from the margins to the center of global diplomacy. Modi’s vision of a multipolar, equitable world order, rooted in solidarity and innovation, is a clarion call for the Global South to rise together. With its economic might, technological prowess, and unwavering commitment to cooperation, India is not just leading the Global South—it is redefining global leadership for a new era.
