Speaking after inaugurating the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi today (Sept. 12), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the BRICS grouping is not against anyone.
The BRICS summit, which brings together 11 major economic powers of the world, is being held in New Delhi today and tomorrow (Sept. 12–13). In New Delhi on the 12th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the 18th BRICS Summit.
India currently holds the chair of this grouping. India has already held this responsibility three times before.
Key highlights of Prime Minister Modi's speech
BRICS grouping - not against anyone!
The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is not against any country or group.
Over the past 20 years, the BRICS grouping has created a distinct identity on the world stage. We respect each other’s views and move forward through consensus. We are not against anyone. We follow an inclusive, forward-looking approach.
Rules must be created
Although the countries of the Global South are at the forefront of global crises, they remain behind in decision-making. They must move from being rule followers to becoming rule makers. The BRICS countries should help make that happen.
Artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology, and similar fields will not only shape future opportunities but also create the rules of the future.
At present, the global governance structure resembles a pyramid. With power and decision-making authority concentrated at the top, the countries at the base are affected by its decisions. Along with strengthening the BRICS grouping, a global reform in this regard must be undertaken. Equal participation must be ensured in defining global rules.
The right to shape the future
All countries should have an equal voice in shaping the future. There should be equal rights. The message of this BRICS summit hosted by India should be clear. BRICS should have a guiding principle that moves from having a voice to making an impact.
4. UN Security Council reform is needed
The reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be delayed. Voting rights in international financial institutions and changes in leadership positions should be made to reflect the current state of the global economy.
Implementation mechanism
Prime Minister Modi proposed a mechanism to implement BRICS decisions to ensure that the decisions taken by the BRICS grouping are followed.
Implementation of the Joint Declaration
Finally, after lengthy negotiations, a resolution has been adopted as the BRICS countries approved the 'New Delhi Declaration', opposing trade-distorting unilateral tariffs.
Similarly, referring to the Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam attack, the BRICS grouping has issued a joint statement saying, 'Terrorist attacks can never be justified.'