Modi Opens BRICS Summit in New Delhi with Call to Reform Global Governance

Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Saturday for a summit centred on trade, investment and global conflicts, as the expanded bloc presses for a larger role in shaping the agenda for emerging and developing economies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and counterparts from the grouping's other members, opened the day's talks with an address aimed at easing concerns that BRICS is designed to counter Western-led alliances.

"We do not oppose anyone, but rather strive to move forward with the mindset of taking everyone along," Modi said, describing the bloc as a platform for emerging and developing economies to gain a greater voice in world affairs.

He said BRICS had enhanced its distinct identity over two decades, built on mutual respect for differing perspectives and consensus-driven decision-making, and called for that unity to be translated into concrete outcomes.

Modi devoted much of his speech to the architecture of global governance, arguing that power and decision-making are concentrated at the top of a pyramid while countries affected by those decisions lack the means to shape them. "Today, the Global South is in the front row of global crises but on the back bench of decision-making," he said, urging that this "pyramid of privilege" be transformed into a "platform of partnership."

He pressed for reform of the UN Security Council, saying the matter can no longer be delayed and that negotiations must be tied to a definitive timeline and tangible results. Voting power, leadership positions and policy priorities in international financial institutions, he added, should reflect today's economic realities, with countries that drive global growth given a proper role in shaping economic governance.

Modi also proposed a Seafarer Emergency Support Network to connect the maritime authorities and missions of concerned countries, citing the contribution seafarers make to global trade and what he described as a lack of support for them in difficult times.

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and rising US-China tensions, which are testing the bloc's ability to find common ground among members with competing geopolitical interests. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around the venue and other parts of the capital, with traffic restrictions and diversions in place.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has since expanded to 11 members, representing about half the world's population and a significant share of global economic output, and has increasingly called for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions.

Economic cooperation, energy, food security, technology, supply chains and institutional reform are expected to feature in the leaders' discussions. Reducing reliance on the US dollar is also set to be a priority, with members promoting greater use of their own currencies in trade and payments and pushing for alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions.

Ahead of the summit, Putin told the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi that the grouping was not against anyone and that Moscow was open to cooperation with countries around the world. "We are in favour of our interests," he said.

Pezeshkian backed expanding trade in national currencies among members, telling reporters that this was among the most important steps forward. Iran has pushed for mechanisms that could reduce the bloc's reliance on Western financial systems and shield members from economic pressure as Tehran faces sweeping sanctions and a US blockade.

China is using the grouping to deepen its influence and position it as a counterweight to US power. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Xi was expected to discuss major international issues and ways to deepen cooperation among BRICS members.

For India, the summit highlights its effort to maintain strategic ties with Russia and Iran while deepening relations with the United States and Europe, balancing longstanding partnerships with efforts to expand economic, defence and technology cooperation with Western nations.