Full Breakdown
Modi Calls for Global South Empowerment at BRICS 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 13, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the opening session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He urged the grouping to reform global governance so the Global South moves from “rule-takers to rule-shapers.” Modi announced a 10-point roadmap for reform, a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network,” and cooperation frameworks on health, logistics, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Background & Context
BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and later additions—positions itself as a counterweight to traditional Western-led institutions. India chairs the 2026 summit, seeking to amplify developing-nation voices amid geopolitical tensions linked to the Ukraine war, conflicts in West Asia, and shifting U.S. trade policies.
Initiatives Unveiled
- 10-point governance roadmap – to be finalised by the next BRICS summit.
- Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network – to protect mariners in conflict-affected waters.
- Integrated Early Warning System – for rapid detection of infectious disease outbreaks.
- Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework – to improve supply-chain reliability.
- BRICS Incubator Network and Startup Innovation Fund – to connect start-ups and promote scalable solutions.
- MSME Cooperation Portal, Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, Urban Mobility Hub, and Centres of Excellence for Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture – covering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Data & Statistics
The summit roster listed 11 member states (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates) and 10 partner countries (Nigeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam).
Official Statements & Responses
Modi said the current “pyramid of privilege” in global institutions leaves the Global South in the “back row of decision-making.” He called for UN Security Council reform and for voting power in major financial institutions to reflect contemporary economic realities, emphasizing multilateralism, reforms to the international financial architecture, and cooperation on emerging technologies, including AI.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can say from personal experience that the trust of Global South nations in BRICS has grown, because within BRICS, their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are created with them, not merely for them.” — PM Modi
- “We have proposed a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to promote innovative and scalable solutions,” — Narendra Modi
Why It Matters / Impact
If adopted, the roadmap could reshape representation in the UN Security Council and influence governance of institutions such as the New Development Bank. The support networks and technology initiatives aim to reduce vulnerability of developing economies to geopolitical shocks, pandemics, and climate-related disruptions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Details on financing mechanisms for the Seafarers’ Network and the Startup Innovation Fund remain unspecified.
What’s Next
Modi indicated that BRICS leaders will negotiate the final text of the governance roadmap during the summit and aim to present a consolidated proposal at the subsequent meeting. The summit also set the stage for bilateral meetings between India and leaders from South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Egypt, Burundi, Uganda, and Nigeria.