Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed leaders and senior representatives from BRICS countries at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as India hosted the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
The two-day meeting comes as BRICS marks 20 years since its formation. Modi said the grouping has now reached a stage where its responsibilities are much greater.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said India’s BRICS presidency is focused on putting people and their needs at the centre of the group’s work.
India’s Four Main Priorities for BRICS
Modi said India’s approach to BRICS is based on four broad areas: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
The aim is to make BRICS cooperation useful not only for governments but also for ordinary people.
According to Modi, India organised more than 350 BRICS-related meetings and events across nearly 30 cities during its chairship.
This included discussions involving policymakers, experts and representatives from different sectors.
Why the 20-Year Milestone Matters
BRICS began as a grouping of major emerging economies and has since expanded its membership.
Modi said completing two decades is an important moment for the organisation.
According to him, the last 20 years have helped BRICS mature, but the group’s growing importance also brings greater responsibility.
The summit is therefore being held at a time when BRICS members are discussing how the group can play a larger role in global affairs.
Modi Calls for More Power for Developing Countries
One of the major points in Modi’s speech was the need to change how global decisions are made.
He said developing countries have for years been kept in the “back row” of global decision-making.
Modi argued that countries of the Global South should have a stronger voice in institutions that influence international economic and political decisions.
He also called for the existing “pyramid of power and privilege” to become a “platform of partnership”.
In simple terms, India wants developing countries to have a greater say rather than simply following decisions taken by a small group of powerful nations.
Why BRICS Matters to the Global South
BRICS gives developing and emerging economies a platform to discuss common concerns and work together.
For India, the group is also a way to push issues that affect developing countries, including economic growth, technology, trade, development and international representation.
Modi said BRICS can help countries of the Global South develop stronger leadership and cooperate on issues that affect the wider world.
PM Modi Raises Safety of Seafarers
Maritime security was another issue highlighted by the Prime Minister.
Modi pointed to the deaths of seafarers during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and said their safety cannot be ignored.
Millions of tonnes of goods move across the world’s seas every year. Any major disruption to shipping can affect international trade, supply chains and prices.
The Prime Minister therefore stressed that protecting people working at sea is also important for keeping global trade moving.
What to Expect From the BRICS Summit
The New Delhi summit brings together leaders from BRICS countries at a time of major changes in global politics and the world economy.
For India, the meeting is an opportunity to push its priorities on development, cooperation and reform of global institutions.
The key question is whether BRICS can turn these discussions into practical cooperation among its members.
As India hosts the 18th summit, Modi’s message is clear: BRICS should give developing countries a stronger voice and focus more directly on issues affecting ordinary people.
