PM Modi at BRICS Summit: Calls for reforms, unified stand against terrorism, and responsible AI for Global South

At the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address calling for sweeping reforms in global institutions, a unified global stance against terrorism, and deeper collaboration in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. His remarks came during multiple plenary sessions, where he reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism, peace, and equitable global development, while sharply criticizing outdated global governance systems.

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PM Modi underlined that BRICS , comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and now its expanded members, holds the transformative potential to reshape the global order. He hailed the group’s growing relevance and flexibility, saying its expansion reflects its ability to adapt to changing times. However, he stressed the urgent need for a similar evolution in global institutions like the UN Security Council, World Trade Organization, and multilateral development banks. “21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter,” he quipped, calling for institutional reforms to reflect current geopolitical realities.

In his address on Peace, Security and Global Governance Reform, Modi made an emotional appeal for greater representation of the Global South. He insisted that for these institutions to remain credible, they must give voice to the aspirations of developing nations.

The Prime Minister also condemned the acts of terrorism. Citing the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he labelled terrorism as an attack on all humanity and urged BRICS nations to adopt a clear and consistent approach. “There can be no double standards. If any country supports terrorism directly or indirectly, it must pay the price,” he said, urging BRICS to impose unambiguous sanctions.

Addressing the session on Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence, Modi proposed several initiatives. These included demand-driven project sanctioning through the BRICS New Development Bank, establishing a BRICS Science and Research Repository, and advancing agricultural research collaboration. He also urged for joint efforts to secure critical minerals and ensure they are not weaponized by any single nation.

On the issue of AI, Modi promoted India’s philosophy of ‘AI for All’, asserting that responsible AI must balance innovation with ethical concerns. He advocated for inclusive AI governance that aligns with human values and benefits developing nations.

He closed with a call to BRICS nations: “The Global South has expectations from us. We must lead by example.”