New Delhi, September 12 (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms in the global order while strengthening BRICS. Advocating equal rights for the Global South in global decision-making, he said that if the future is shared, the right to shape that future must also be shared. He asserted that reform of the United Nations Security Council can no longer be delayed.

In his opening remarks at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi said BRICS member countries must translate their unity and consensus into concrete outcomes. To achieve this, they need to work on an ambitious agenda for the next 20 years and bring about changes in the way the grouping functions.

He said the Global South is often the first to bear the brunt of global crises, yet it remains marginalised in decision-making processes. To change this situation, BRICS should work on 10 proposals for global reforms and prepare a roadmap by the next summit. Developing countries should have greater representation in financial institutions, including in voting rights and leadership positions. Equal participation is also essential in framing future rules in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace and outer space.

He said, “Efforts must be made to transform the Global South from rule-takers into rule-shapers. India is ready to take the lead in this endeavour.” The Prime Minister said the message from BRICS should be clear: if the future is shared, the responsibility and opportunity to shape it must also be shared.

The Prime Minister made it clear that BRICS is not a platform for confrontation but the outcome of an approach that seeks to take everyone along. He said the grouping should ensure that its partnerships translate into tangible outcomes and that decisions and consensus reached at the forum are followed up regularly. For this purpose, a digital repository could also be created.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar