Vijay Singh
New Delhi [India], July 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasn’t pulling any punches in Rio de Janeiro. As leaders of the BRICS nations gathered under Brazil’s presidency, PM Modi used the spotlight to call out creaky old global institutions, take a hard line on terror, and pitch India’s vision for a fairer world – one that gives developing countries a proper say.
The Rio leg of my Brazil visit was very productive. We had extensive deliberations at the BRICS Summit. I compliment President Lula and the Brazilian Government for the work they’ve done through their BRICS Presidency in making this platform even more effective. My bilateral… pic.twitter.com/ZrvQidVTQ4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2025
Addressing the opening session, Modi said flat-out that the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank “must undergo urgent reform.” He argued that the world can’t keep using 20th-century tools to solve 21st-century crises. The Prime Minister thanked his fellow BRICS leaders for backing strong language on UN reform in the final declaration.
On peace and security, PM Modi got personal. He pointed to the April terror attack in Pahalgam, saying it wasn’t just India under fire, but all of humanity. He demanded those who bankroll or shelter terrorists face the “harshest” punishment. “There can’t be double standards,” he told the assembled leaders, pressing them to close ranks against terror.
He wasn’t done there. Conflicts from West Asia to Europe were deeply worrying, PM Modi said, stressing India’s commitment to diplomacy over force. India, he added, is ready to help mediate if called upon.
In the day’s second big session, PM Modi laid out four priorities for BRICS. First, he said the BRICS New Development Bank should stay focused on real needs and sound finances – not political whims. Second, he pitched a joint Science and Research repository to help poorer countries tap into knowledge they can’t afford on their own. Third, he called for securing supply chains of critical minerals, warning no country should be allowed to “weaponize” them. And fourth, he demanded responsible global rules for artificial intelligence.
PM Modi’s comments on AI were blunt: the world needs standards to spot fake digital content, but also can’t kill innovation. He announced India would host an “AI Impact Summit” next year and invited BRICS countries to take part.
Beyond speeches, leaders signed the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, backing the push for reform and nodding to AI’s growing role. PM Modi wrapped up by promising India would stand with fellow nations of the Global South, leading by example instead of dictating terms.
For India, the 17th BRICS Summit wasn’t just another diplomatic pit stop – it was a chance to show the world that Bharat wants to help set the agenda, not follow someone else’s.
