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Modi urges global governance reforms to empower developing nations

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for substantial changes to the international governance system during the BRICS Summit, arguing that current structures fail to adequately represent the Global South's interests and aspirations.

LSN World News · 12 September 2026

Modi urges global governance reforms to empower developing nations

Modi's remarks at the summit reflected growing calls from developing economies for a more equitable distribution of power in global decision-making bodies. The Indian leader emphasized the need to reform multilateral institutions that have traditionally been dominated by Western nations, advocating for mechanisms that better reflect the economic weight and demographic scale of emerging markets.

The push for governance overhaul has become a recurring theme at BRICS meetings, as member states—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—seek greater influence in shaping international policy on finance, security, and development. India's emphasis on empowering the Global South aligns with broader efforts by BRICS nations to establish alternative frameworks and reduce dependence on Western-led institutions.

Modi's call for reform touched on persistent inequalities in representation within organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. He stressed that developing nations account for a significant portion of global GDP and population, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making structures designed during the post-World War II era.

The comments underscore India's role as a leading voice for developing economies while also advancing its own strategic interests within the BRICS bloc. The summit discussions are expected to inform future proposals for reforming global governance mechanisms and expanding the influence of emerging markets in international affairs.