RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, delivered a compelling message advocating for the Global South. He called for structural reforms in global institutions to ensure fair representation and inclusivity. Highlighting the persistent neglect faced by developing nations, PM Modi stated, “The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues, the interests of the Global South have not been given priority.”
PM Modi’s remarks underscored the need for global equity, urging for a multipolar and inclusive world order that genuinely reflects contemporary geopolitical realities. “Today, the world needs a new, multipolar, and inclusive world order. It will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. Reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible,” he emphasized.
Global Representation and the Call for Reform
PM Modi raised concerns about the lack of adequate representation for a significant portion of the global population in international decision-making platforms. He pointed out that countries which have made major contributions to the global economy continue to be excluded from these bodies. “Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century. Countries that have a major contribution to today’s global economy have not been given a place at the decision-making table. This is not just a question of representation but also a question of credibility and effectiveness,” he noted.
Using a sharp analogy, he added, “Without the Global South, these institutions seem like a mobile with a SIM card but no network,” underscoring the inefficiency and lack of legitimacy of current global systems without meaningful inclusion of the developing world. PM Modi’s remarks at the BRICS forum resonated as a clarion call for a global shift where equity, inclusiveness, and accountability replace legacy structures rooted in outdated hierarchies.
Understanding the Global South
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about the Global South, he’s referring to more than just a group of nations on the map. He’s amplifying the voice of developing and historically underrepresented nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Oceania. These are regions that have long been excluded or marginalized in global decision-making structures, which continue to be dominated by Western powers and institutions shaped by post-World War II dynamics.
By invoking the Global South, PM Modi is challenging the legitimacy of international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. He argues that these bodies no longer reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and fail to offer equitable representation to nations that now play a significant role in the global economy.
Addressing Global Hypocrisy
When Modi says the Global South has been a “victim of double standards,” he’s not simply expressing diplomatic concern, he’s delivering a pointed critique of the hypocrisy embedded in global governance. Developed nations often speak the language of inclusion and equity, but their actions rarely follow through. On critical issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has consistently found itself on the receiving end of symbolic commitments rather than tangible support.
Although developed nations frequently announce pledges of aid, investment, or collaboration at international forums, these commitments often fall short of materializing in impactful or equitable ways. The gestures, while diplomatically convenient for the developing nations, do little to address the entrenched structural imbalances that define the global order. As a result, the Global South remains sidelined, despite its growing contributions and legitimate aspirations for a more just and inclusive international system.
India’s Diplomatic Push for a New Order
Modi’s repeated emphasis on this issue, including at summits like BRICS, is not just rhetorical. It represents India’s larger diplomatic push to reframe the global order in a way that is multipolar, inclusive, and more reflective of 21st-century realities. In doing so, India positions itself not only as a rising power but also as a key advocate for the many nations whose voices have been too long ignored.
The announcement comes as global power dynamics continue to shift, with emerging economies demanding a seat at the table. As the world grapples with challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and technological disparities, the call for a more inclusive and representative global governance system becomes increasingly urgent.
Looking ahead, the implications of PM Modi’s advocacy for the Global South could reshape international relations. If successful, this movement could lead to more equitable policies and a redefined global order that better reflects the diverse and interconnected world of today.
