'World Bodies Without Global South Are Like Phones Without SIM Cards': PM Modi At BRICS Summit

Last Updated:July 06, 2025, 21:00 IST

PM Modi claimed that two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions which have been formed in the 20th century.

PM Modi with fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly batted for Global South and vouched for multipolar and inclusive world order in global organistaions. While addressing the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, the Indian primer said that the Global South nations have often been the victims of double standards.

He said that the concerns regarding development, resource allocation, or security, have consistently been overlooked by the global organisations. He further said that when it comes to crucial issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and access to technology, they’ve only ever received superficial attention.

PM Modi also claimed that two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions which have been formed in the 20th century.

“The countries which have a major contribution in today’s global economy have not been given a place at the decision making table. This is not just a question of representation, but also of credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network," he said.

In a veiled jibe at the global organisations, viz, the United Nations (UN), PM Modi said that these institutions are unable to deal with the challenges of the 21st century.

“Whether it is the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, pandemic, economic crisis, or the newly emerging challenges in cyber and space, these institutions have no solutions," he added.

Further, the Prime Minister emphasised on new multipolar and inclusive world order where the counties, specially of Global South should get proper representation.

He said that inclusive world order will have to begin with comprehensive reforms in global institutions.

“Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There should be changes in governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions. The challenges of the countries of the Global South should be given priority in policy-making," he added.

PM Modi further highlighted the expansion of BRICS group of nations, saying that BRICS is an organisation that has the ability to change itself according to the times.

“Now we will have to show the same willpower for reforms in institutions like UN Security Council, WTO and Multilateral Development Banks," he added.

He further emphasised that in the age of AI, where technology is updated every week, It is not acceptable for a global institution not to be updated even once in eighty years.

“Twenty-first century software cannot be run by twentieth century type-writers!" he added.

The Prime Minister further said that India is always committed to make constructive contributions on all sectors including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters

“India has always considered it its duty to rise above its own interests and work in the interest of humanity. We are fully committed to make constructive contributions on all subjects, along with the BRICS countries."

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