PM Modi Attends 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil
On July 6-7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At this summit, BRICS leaders discussed global reforms, peace and security, multilateral cooperation, and the rising impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This summit, like the preceding summit held in 2020 in Russia, was important because it was a forum to magnify the voice of the Global South and manifest a more just global order.
On Global Governance and Security
During the session on “Reform of Global Governance and Peace and Security,” PM Modi emphasized that global institutional reform is essential, particularly with regard to the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank and WTO. He stated that “the institutions we are discussing were formed in the twentieth century, and even if there is no reform, why ought we expect that they will work to solve the world’s issues?” PM Modi also noted that the other leaders’ consensus on reforming the UN was addressed in the Summit Declaration.
On peace and security, PM Modi raised the issue of growing manifestations of terrorism mentioning the Pahalgam terror incident in April 2025. He argued it was not simply a case of attacking India, but as an attack against all humanity. He called on the global community to take determined action against terrorism, and to hold individuals accountable who support terrorism and/or shelter terrorists. He expressed appreciation for the BRICS member states speaking against this attack, and noted that there should be no tolerance, and no double standards on terrorism.
Call for Dialogue Amid Global Conflicts
Modi also spoke about the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, describing them as serious matters. He said India has always believed in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and is ready to help in any peace efforts. This shows India’s consistent role as a peace supporter on the world stage.
Strengthening Multilateralism Through Multilateral Economic-Financial Affairs and AI
During the second session on “Multilateral, Economic-Financial Affairs and AI,” the Prime Minister also spoke about BRICS remaining unified to navigate turbulence and uncertainty in global change. He proposed four themes to strengthen BRICS:
1. The BRICS New Development Bank’s (NDB’s) financing of projects should respond to the real needs of countries and stimulate long-lasting development.
2. BRICS must promote a Science and Research Repository to focus support on Global South countries.
3. BRICS should build stability in critical mineral supply chains to reduce risk.
4. BRICS, by working together, have an opportunity to develop Responsible AI in the balance between innovation and AI governance.