Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, delivered a powerful call for reforming international institutions like the UN Security Council (UNSC), WTO, IMF, and World Bank.
Using vivid technology metaphors, PM Modi criticised their outdated structures, describing them as increasingly irrelevant in addressing modern global challenges.
In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven’t undergone an update even once in eighty years.
21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025
Speaking to leaders from BRICS nations and newly joined members such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Indonesia, PM Modi stated, “21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter.”
This metaphor highlights the glaring disconnect between today’s fast-evolving world and rigid, decades-old global institutions.
He also likened global institutions without the Global South’s voice to a mobile phone with no network.
“Without the Global South, global institutions are like a mobile phone that may have a SIM but no network,” PM Modi said, questioning their effectiveness without inclusive representation.
Global South needs its due
PM Modi underscored that institutions like the WTO and multilateral development banks heavily favour developed nations and disadvantage developing countries.
He lamented that despite making up two-thirds of humanity, the Global South remains underrepresented in decision-making bodies, often bearing the brunt of global double standards.
He added that on pressing issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and access to technology, the Global South has received only token support.
Drawing attention to the fast pace of technological change, PM Modi remarked, “In this era of AI, where technology updates weekly, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven’t undergone an update in 80 years.”
His statement served as a strong rebuke to the stagnancy of bodies like the UN Security Council, where India and others continue to lack permanent representation.
PM Modi welcomed the expansion of BRICS, noting that it reflects the group’s adaptability.
He urged that the same spirit be applied to global institutions. The addition of Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia to BRICS, he said, reflects the growing demand from the Global South for legitimate global participation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed Prime Minister Modi’s sentiments and directly called for reforms in international financial institutions to amplify the voice of the Global South.
Both leaders reinforced their commitment to making BRICS a platform for global change.
As India continues to push for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, PM Modi’s speech reaffirms the country’s vision for a fairer, more inclusive global order—one that reflects the aspirations and contributions of emerging economies.
Also Read: PM Modi Attends 17th BRICS Summit In Brazil; Focuses On Global Governance & AI
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