India’s Prime Minister has opened the 18th BRICS Summit by outlining a vision for reforming global governance structures to give developing nations a stronger say in world affairs. The remarks come as the BRICS grouping marks its 20th anniversary and India holds the rotating presidency of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
What India is proposing
The Prime Minister has called for a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism to ensure that decisions made at each annual summit do not lose momentum when the presidency passes to another country. This mechanism would use the Troika arrangement—involving the current, previous and incoming chairs—to track all initiatives. A secure digital repository would record each decision along with designated responsibility points, timelines and implementation status.
On global governance reform specifically, the PM has proposed that BRICS develop ten proposals addressing what he describes as three key areas:
- Representation: Reform of UN Security Council membership and voting power in financial institutions to reflect current economic realities
- Responsiveness: Creation of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to assist maritime workers in distress by coordinating between countries’ maritime authorities and diplomatic missions
- Rule-making: Training programmes for diplomats and policymakers from Global South countries in negotiation skills and legal expertise so they can shape, not just follow, future international rules on artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space and biotechnology
These ten proposals would form the basis of a BRICS Reform Roadmap to be completed by the next summit. The PM has also noted that India is prepared to lead these efforts, particularly given that today is the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.
What this means for you
These proposals aim to shift how decisions affecting developing countries get made on the world stage. If implemented, countries representing the Global South could gain real influence over rules governing emerging technologies and international finance, rather than simply accepting frameworks decided elsewhere. For India specifically, this reflects its broader push to position itself as a voice for developing nations in global forums.