‘Global South Victim Of Double Standards’: PM Modi's Powerful Message At BRICS Summit

Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, delivered a strong message advocating for the Global South and called for structural reforms in global institutions to ensure fair representation and inclusivity.

Highlighting the persistent neglect faced by developing nations, PM Modi said, “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. On issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access, the Global South has often received nothing but token gestures.”

Reinforcing the need for global equity, the Prime Minister made a compelling case 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 emphasised.

PM Modi also 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a clarion call for a global shift where equity, inclusiveness, and accountability replace legacy structures rooted in outdated hierarchies.

What PM Modi Really Means When He Talks About 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 marginalised 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.

Calling Out Global Hypocrisy and Symbolic Gestures

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 Global South Push Marks a New Diplomatic Chapter

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.

He also highlighted that without the Global South, global institutions appear functional but remain disconnected from reality. They may operate with formal structures and mandates, but without inclusive representation, they lack legitimacy, relevance, and the ability to address the needs of the majority world.

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