Kashmir Impulse Desk
New Delhi, Sep 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on BRICS countries on Saturday to help transform the Global South from a “rule-follower” into a “rule-shaper”, saying existing global governance structures needed to become more representative.
Opening the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi, Modi said global governance resembled a “pyramid of privilege”, with decision-making concentrated among a small group of countries.
“We must transform this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership’,” Modi said, calling for a new BRICS agenda for the next 20 years.
He proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform focused on representation, responsiveness and rule-making.
Modi said reform of the United Nations Security Council could no longer be delayed and called for negotiations to be conducted within a clear timeframe.
He also said voting rights, leadership positions and policy priorities in international financial institutions should reflect current economic realities.
“Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance,” he said.
Modi called for greater participation by developing countries in setting rules for artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology and other critical technologies.
He also proposed a BRICS Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network to coordinate assistance for sailors facing crises, including through distress alerts, medical support, family notifications and evacuations.
Modi said BRICS had reached a point of greater maturity after two decades and called for mechanisms to ensure continuity of initiatives despite the annual rotation of the group’s presidency.
Separately, Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks on the sidelines of the summit that peace and tranquillity along the India-China border remained essential for the continued development of bilateral ties.
The two leaders agreed that their relationship should be viewed from a strategic and long-term perspective and that differences should not become disputes, India’s foreign ministry said.
Modi stressed the need to observe existing agreements and understandings on border issues.
The two sides also discussed trade imbalances, supply chains and the need for predictable market access, the ministry said.
They expressed support for a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” settlement of the boundary question while emphasising the broader interests of bilateral relations.
Modi said ties should be guided by “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest”.
The meeting came as India and China have taken steps to repair relations strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.
Xi, addressing the summit, said China viewed ties with India from a strategic and long-term perspective and called for cooperation between the world’s two most populous countries.
“Both sides should keep the future of humanity and the well-being of our people in mind,” Xi said, according to the supplied report.
The leaders also discussed expanding people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and business ties.
