
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a scathing critique
Modi’s Wake-Up Call: “Global South Deserves More Than Token Gestures”
In a landmark speech at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took centre stage to deliver what many are calling a diplomatic reckoning. Addressing leaders from the expanded BRICS bloc, Modi declared that the Global South has long been a victim of double standards, especially in areas of climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access.
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“The Global South has often received nothing more than token gestures,” Modi said, his voice echoing through the Museum of Modern Art venue. “In this era of AI, where technology updates weekly, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven’t undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter”.
Modi’s remarks were not just rhetorical they were a direct challenge to the status quo. He criticized the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks for failing to reflect the realities of today’s multipolar world. His analogy comparing outdated institutions to a “mobile phone with a SIM card but no network” struck a chord with many leaders from emerging economies.
The speech came amid notable absences, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin skipped the summit, but Modi’s in-person presence underscored India’s commitment to multilateralism and inclusive diplomacy.
BRICS Expansion and India’s Strategic Messaging
Modi’s address coincided with the historic expansion of BRICS, which now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia. This enlargement, Modi argued, is proof that BRICS is capable of evolving with the times and embracing the voices of the Global South.
“The expansion of BRICS clearly shows that BRICS is an organization capable of changing itself with the times,” Modi said. “Now, we need to show the same resolve for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council”.
India’s role in this transformation is pivotal. Modi emphasized that India has always prioritized humanity over self-interest, positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. His interactions with leaders like Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa further reinforced India’s diplomatic outreach.
The summit’s theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, aligned perfectly with Modi’s message. Discussions ranged from climate action and AI governance to peace, security, and economic resilience, with India actively contributing to each agenda item.
Reforms or Rhetoric? The Global Stakes Ahead
Modi’s speech has reignited global conversations about equity, representation, and reform. His demand for real not symbolic changes in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions within global institutions was a bold call to action.
“Countries that have a major contribution to today’s global economy have not been given a seat at the decision-making table,” Modi asserted. “This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness”.
The implications are profound:
- Developing nations may rally behind India’s push for reform.
- Global institutions face mounting pressure to evolve or risk irrelevance.
- India’s leadership in the Global South could reshape future diplomatic alignments.
Critics argue that while Modi’s speech was powerful, implementation remains uncertain. Will the UN and WTO heed the call? Can BRICS translate expansion into influence? These questions linger as the summit concludes with a symbolic “family photo” and cautious optimism.
Conclusion:
Prime Minister Modi’s address at the BRICS Summit was more than a speech, it was a clarion call for justice, reform, and recognition. By spotlighting the plight of the Global South and demanding structural change, Modi has positioned India as a moral and strategic leader in the quest for a fairer world order. Whether the world listens remains to be seen but the message is loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.
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