Strengthening Bonds: PM Modi’s Pivotal BRICS Summit Talks Boost Global South Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in crucial BRICS Summit talks, prominently featuring a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. These discussions, held on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, signify India’s continued commitment to fostering robust international relations and advocating for the Global South.

Key BRICS Summit Talks Unfold in Brazil The 17th BRICS Summit served as a vital platform for leaders to address pressing global issues and strengthen cooperation among member nations. Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic engagements were a highlight, emphasizing India’s proactive role in shaping a more equitable world order. Among these, the BRICS Summit talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the growing warmth and cooperation between the two nations. The leaders exchanged warm greetings before delving into substantive discussions, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also present.

Beyond the specific bilateral BRICS Summit talks, PM Modi also met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, further broadening India’s diplomatic outreach at the summit. These high-level interactions are essential for building consensus on critical global challenges and advancing shared interests.

Championing the Global South Through BRICS Summit Talks A central theme of Prime Minister Modi’s address at the 17th BRICS Summit was the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in global institutions. His powerful message resonated deeply as he underscored the marginalization and “double standards” often faced by the Global South. These BRICS Summit talks and statements served as a strong critique of existing systemic inequalities that have historically sidelined the interests of two-thirds of humanity.

PM Modi highlighted that the interests of the Global South have frequently been overlooked, particularly on crucial issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and access to technology. He lamented that the Global South has often received nothing more than “token gestures,” despite their significant contributions to the global economy. This strong stance during his BRICS Summit talks reaffirmed India’s leadership in advocating for a fairer and more inclusive global governance structure.

The Imperative for Reform: A Focus of BRICS Summit Talks The Prime Minister’s remarks during the BRICS Summit talks extended to the credibility and effectiveness of 20th-century-formed global institutions. He argued that these bodies, without adequate representation from the Global South, are akin to a “mobile with a SIM card but no network”—unable to effectively address 21st-century challenges. Whether it’s ongoing conflicts, global pandemics, economic crises, or emerging cyber and space challenges, these institutions have, according to PM Modi, failed to provide adequate solutions. His call for reform during the BRICS Summit talks is a direct appeal for these institutions to reflect the contemporary global landscape.

The 17th BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,’ brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. This expansion signifies a growing collective voice for the Global South and amplifies the impact of BRICS Summit talks. India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, promising continued leadership in this vital forum.

In a poignant moment of unity, PM Modi joined other leaders for the traditional BRICS family photo session at the Museum of Modern Art. The image, featuring Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and leaders from other member countries alongside Prime Minister Modi, symbolized the collaborative spirit driving these crucial BRICS Summit talks and the collective vision for a more just and sustainable world.