Brics Summit: PM Modi calls for global institutional reforms, says Global South faces ‘double standards’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for urgent reforms in global institutions, criticising the “double standards” faced by the Global South and highlighting its continued marginalisation in international decision-making processes.

Addressing the Brics Summit, Modi said that countries making significant contributions to the world economy are still denied a rightful place at the global high table. “Two-thirds of humanity has not received adequate representation in the global institutions formed in the 20th century,” he said.

At the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, addressed the session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance.’ Expressed my views on why the voice of the Global South is more important than ever before and why it’s essential that global institutions provide… pic.twitter.com/XNqG8v1BXk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025

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Drawing a striking analogy, Modi remarked, “Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network.”

He emphasised that to tackle 21st-century challenges, institutions must evolve to reflect contemporary realities. The prime minister’s comments come amid growing calls from emerging economies for a more inclusive global order that gives greater voice and representation to developing nations.

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The annual Brics Summit began with a group photo of the leaders of the bloc’s member nations followed by an address by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

”The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues,” Modi said.

In his remarks at the first plenary session, the prime minister rued the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures on issues like climate finance, sustainable development and technology access.

”Countries that have a major contribution to today’s global economy have not been given a seat at the decision-making table,” he said.

”This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness,” he added.

Modi said the world today needs a new multipolar and inclusive order and this has to begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions.

”Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There should be changes in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions,” he said.

The prime minister argued that the challenges of the countries of the Global South should be given priority in policy-making.

The expansion of Brics is proof of the fact that it is an organisation that has the capacity to change itself according to the times, he said.

”Now we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO and multilateral development banks.” ”In the age of artificial intelligence, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable for a global institution to not be updated even once in 80 years,” he said.

Modi said ”21st century software cannot be run by 20th century type-writers”.

”India has always considered it its duty to rise above its own interests and work in the interest of humanity,” he said.

”We are fully committed to make constructive contributions on all subjects, along with the Brics countries,” Modi added.

With inputs from agencies