Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the Global South to transition from a 'rule-taker' to a 'rule-shaper' in global governance, during the Brics Summit 2026 in New Delhi. In his opening address, Modi emphasized the need for reform in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that delays in such reforms are no longer acceptable. The remarks were made in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other Brics leaders, as the summit officially commenced.

Modi framed the current global governance structure as a 'pyramid' where power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while countries in the Global South—those most affected by global crises—have little influence. He argued that the Global South must move from being passive recipients of global rules to active participants in shaping them. This shift, he said, would require a 'platform of partnership' where every nation has a voice and stake in global decision-making.

The summit, hosted by India, marks the 20th anniversary of the Brics bloc, which Modi described as entering a 'coming-of-age moment.' He highlighted the bloc's distinct identity on the global stage and its role in advancing the interests of the Global South. Modi proposed a 'BRICS Reform Roadmap' to be developed by the next summit, focusing on three core pillars: representation, responsiveness, and rule-making. He called for reforms in the UNSC, with clear timelines and tangible outcomes, and urged alignment of voting power and leadership in international financial institutions with the economic realities of member states.

Modi also announced plans to provide training for Brics policymakers in negotiation and legal expertise, aiming to equip young diplomats from the Global South with the skills needed to influence global governance. The summit's opening session saw the adoption of a Joint Statement following intensive negotiations that lasted until 4 am on Saturday. The statement, expected to be released later, reflects the consensus reached among Brics nations on key issues, including the reform of global governance structures.

The proposed reforms, particularly those related to the UNSC, remain subject to further discussion and agreement among Brics members. The timeline for implementing these reforms, as well as the specific mechanisms for ensuring their success, are not yet clear. The summit's outcomes will be closely watched as they may signal a significant shift in the balance of power in global governance.