BRICS Summit: Modi Calls for a New Global Order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a major transformation in global governance, saying the Global South must become a “rule shaper” rather than remaining a passive recipient of decisions made by powerful nations.

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted unanimously at the 2026 BRICS Delhi Summit, reflects the confidence of a BRICS that is wider in reach and stronger in purpose.

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, people-to-people ties and more, the endeavour is to make cooperation… pic.twitter.com/MtqucBx9AY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2026

Addressing the two-day 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Modi said the existing “pyramid of privilege” in global governance should give way to a “platform of partnership” based on greater representation, responsiveness and shared decision-making.

The Prime Minister also unveiled a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform under the BRICS framework and advocated the creation of a ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’ to protect sailors facing increased risks amid ongoing global and regional crises.

The summit brought together several prominent world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Modi highlighted BRICS’ growing importance in global affairs and called for a “new and ambitious agenda” for the grouping as it enters its next 20 years. He said BRICS must strengthen its ability to address major global challenges and deliver practical outcomes for developing nations.

The summit is being held against the backdrop of significant economic and geopolitical uncertainty, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the West Asia crisis, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, and continuing trade and tariff tensions.

As the BRICS chair, India has placed the Global South at the centre of its agenda, focusing on practical solutions for food security, energy security and resilient global supply chains.

An action packed day at BRICS 2026. pic.twitter.com/DJ0wOWW0dv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2026

Modi said the current global governance system resembles a pyramid, where power and decision-making remain concentrated at the top while countries at lower levels are affected by decisions without having enough influence over them.

He called for a more inclusive international system in which developing countries have a meaningful role in shaping the rules that govern the global economy and international affairs.