PM Modi, Putin and Xi hold hands at BRICS summit in a powerful show of unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12, 2026, advocating for a shift from "rule-takers" to "rule-shapers" within the global governance framework. He highlighted the need for the BRICS nations, now 20 years old, to transition into a phase of maturity and responsibility. Modi proposed that the leaders gather to develop 10 proposals for global governance reform, which could form a BRICS Reform Roadmap.

Recalling that BRICS has strengthened its distinct identity and built consensus over the past two decades, Modi emphasized the importance of translating this unity into concrete global outcomes. He proposed the establishment of a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism to ensure the follow-up on all initiatives and outcomes. This mechanism would involve creating a secure digital repository to record decisions, nodal points, deadlines, and implementation statuses.

The Prime Minister stressed that the current global governance structure resembles a pyramid, with power concentrated at the top, while those affected by decisions are at the bottom. He called for transforming this structure into a platform of partnership where every country has a voice and stake in the development of humanity. He proposed three key aspects to focus on: representation, responsiveness, and rule-making.

On representation, Modi stressed the need to reform the UN Security Council, suggesting that negotiations should have a definite timeline and clear outcomes. He emphasized that voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities in financial institutions should reflect today's economic realities. Regarding responsiveness, Modi highlighted the importance of global institutions providing effective solutions in a timely manner, citing the example of seafarers needing better support during crises.

Modi proposed a Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network to address this issue, connecting maritime authorities and missions to provide assistance in distress alerts, medical aid, family notification, and evacuation. He stressed the need to ensure equal participation in determining future global rules, particularly in areas like AI, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology, and critical technologies.

Modi urged the BRICS nations to transition from rule-takers to rule-shapers, emphasizing that the message from the BRICS Summit should be clear: if the future is shared, the right to shape it must also be shared.