Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a more ambitious agenda for BRICS as the grouping marks two decades of its existence, saying the Global South must play a greater role in shaping global rules.
Addressing the inaugural session of the BRICS Summit, Modi thanked member countries for their support during India’s BRICS chairmanship and described the 20th anniversary as a significant milestone.
Modi calls for stronger BRICS coordination
Reflecting on the bloc’s journey, Modi said, “Today, BRICS, too, has reached a moment of 'coming of age'. Over the past two decades, BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage. We respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. We strive to advance not by opposing anyone, but by taking everyone along. Now is the time for us to translate our unity and consensus within BRICS into tangible results on the global stage.”
He said the grouping should prepare a new agenda for the next 20 years and strengthen its internal mechanisms.
“We need to work on a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years. We must begin this process with our own internal working systems,” Modi said.
He proposed a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism to ensure that initiatives remain on track despite the annual change in presidency.
Focus on seafarers and emerging technologies
Modi also proposed a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to assist maritime workers during difficult situations.
“Seafarers make an enormous contribution to global commerce, but they often feel a lack of support during difficult times. I propose that we consider creating a Seafarers Emergency Support Network,” he said.
“This would connect the maritime authorities and missions of the countries concerned. Through this network, assistance could be provided for distress alerts, medical assistance, informing families and evacuation,” he added.
Turning to global rule-making, Modi said emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology and critical technologies were already influencing the future.
“We must work to transform the Global South from rule-takers into rule-shapers. Through BRICS, we can provide young diplomats from Global South countries with negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise,” he said.
PM proposes 10-point reform roadmap
At the summit, Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for reforming global governance.
“I propose that we jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, aiming to shape them into a BRICS reform roadmap by the time of the next Summit,” he said.
China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.