Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, called for decisive global action against terrorism and urgent reforms in outdated international institutions. Delivering a sharp critique of the global system’s failure to respond to 21st-century challenges, he stressed that the Global South has been repeatedly marginalised and subjected to double standards.Speaking at the session on peace and security, PM Modi condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it an assault not just on India but on all humanity. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing urgency for a new, inclusive global order that genuinely reflects the modern world’s power dynamics and challenges.“The world cannot be governed by 20th-century institutions in an AI-driven, fast-changing era,” PM Modi said.Modi also praised the expansion of BRICS, welcoming Indonesia to the grouping and expressing appreciation for Brazil’s leadership under President Lula da Silva. Reaffirming India’s commitment to global cooperation, he said the BRICS grouping had the potential to reshape the future in a more equitable and inclusive direction.
Top quotes from PM Modi’s speech at Brics summit:
- “Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently, India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22nd April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only on India but on the entire humanity.”
- “Condemning terrorism should be our ‘principle’, not just a ‘convenience’. If we first see in which country the attack took place, against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity.”
- “There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism.”
- “For personal or political gain, giving silent consent, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable.”
- “There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists.”
- “Two-thirds of humanity has not been adequately represented in the global institutions formed in the 20th century.”
- “21st-century software cannot be run by 20th-century typewriters.”
- “India has always considered it its responsibility to work in the interest of humanity, rising above its own interests.”
- “With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future.”
