Narendra Modi has put global governance reform at the centre of India’s agenda at the BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi, calling for a stronger and more representative international system that gives emerging economies a greater voice in global decision-making.
Modi presented a 10-point reform roadmap for strengthening the effectiveness and credibility of international institutions at the BRICS meeting. Among the key priorities were time-bound reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), greater representation for emerging economies in global financial institutions and a permanent mechanism to ensure that decisions taken by BRICS are implemented.
Modi’s message was particularly focused on the position of the Global South in the existing international system. He contended that developing and emerging nations are most affected by global crises but have little influence over the decisions that shape the international response.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on UNSC reform reflects India’s longstanding stance that the global body’s structure needs to reflect the changing face of the world. The current permanent membership structure was created during World War II, and the economic and political weight of emerging countries has drastically shifted over the decades.
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PM Modi puts global governance reform at the heart of BRICS 2026
At the Delhi summit, he pitched a 10-point reform roadmap - time-bound UNSC reform, a bigger voice for emerging economies in global financial institutions, and a permanent mechanism to ensure BRICS… pic.twitter.com/HQo8BQURyp
Greater representation for developing countries in international financial institutions was another key part of Modi’s roadmap. Global financial institutions have a central role in access to development finance, infrastructure funding and economic assistance. BRICS countries have consistently pushed for reforms that make emerging economies equal to developed countries in these institutions.
Modi also highlighted a real problem for BRICS itself: that decisions taken by the grouping translate into concrete action. His proposal for a permanent implementation mechanism could help make BRICS declarations more consistent and effective.
The Indian Prime Minister also proposed a BRICS Seafarers’ Emergency Support mechanism in response to rising concerns over maritime security, regional tensions between Iran and disruption of international shipping routes.
Global shipping is at high risk from geopolitical instability, with disruptions to energy supplies, commercial trade and the movement of essential goods. A maritime seafarers-driven mechanism could be developed to provide emergency support and coordination when there is conflict or major disruption.
The proposal also highlights the broader economic importance of maritime trade to BRICS economies. Energy imports, exports and supply chains are heavily dependent on international shipping for energy imports and for many members and partners.
The 2026 summit is therefore much more than just about economic cooperation. India is using the BRICS platform to push for changes in the architecture of global governance itself, while positioning the grouping as a stronger voice for developing and emerging economies.
With BRICS expanding its membership and partnerships, the organisation's ability to coordinate positions on global institutions, trade, finance, technology, energy and security is drawing increasing international attention.
Modi’s 10-point roadmap puts the Global South at the centre of that conversation with demands for greater representation and proposals to make BRICS decisions more effective. Now the question is whether the summit’s proposals can move beyond declarations and become concrete mechanisms and measurable reforms.
