A Shifting Global Order: BRICS Summit Tackles Governance, Terrorism and the AI Revolution

The 17th BRICS Summit, held amidst the vibrant backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, has concluded with a resounding call for a more equitable and representative world order.

Over two intensive days, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new member Indonesia engaged in pivotal discussions spanning global governance reform, the escalating threat of terrorism and the burgeoning influence of Artificial Intelligence.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India emerged as a prominent voice, championing the Global South’s aspirations and advocating for decisive action on critical global challenges.

The summit, hosted by Brazil’s President, provided a crucial platform for these emerging economies to articulate a collective vision for a world grappling with multifaceted pressures.

The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, adopted at the summit’s conclusion, underscores a shared commitment to strengthening multilateralism and addressing contemporary realities that twenty-first-century institutions are struggling to contain.

Reforming Global Governance: A Clarion Call for Inclusivity

A central theme dominating the summit’s agenda was the urgent need for comprehensive reform of global governance institutions. Prime Minister Modi, addressing the inaugural session on “Reform of Global Governance and Peace and Security,” articulated India’s unwavering commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South.

He underscored the critical need for increased support for developing nations in their pursuit of sustainable development, particularly through enhanced access to climate finance and technology.

Modi’s intervention highlighted a sentiment widely shared among BRICS nations: the existing global organisations, largely fashioned in the aftermath of the 20th century’s major conflicts, are ill-equipped to address the complexities and interconnected challenges of the current era.

He specifically called for a sweeping overhaul of institutions such as the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

These bodies, he argued, must undergo urgent reform to genuinely reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities, ensuring greater representation and a more balanced distribution of power.

The leaders present acknowledged the pressing nature of these reforms, with the Summit Declaration reflecting a strong consensus on the urgency of UN Security Council reform.

This collective endorsement signifies a growing frustration with the inertia and perceived inequities within the existing international system, a system often criticised for its disproportionate bias towards a select few.

The call for a multipolar and inclusive world order, championed by India and echoed by other BRICS members, seeks to dismantle entrenched hierarchies and foster a more democratic global decision-making framework.

Tackling Terrorism: Zero Tolerance and No Double Standards

The issue of peace and security, particularly the pervasive threat of terrorism, occupied a significant portion of the summit’s deliberations. Prime Minister Modi unequivocally stated that terrorism represents “a grave threat facing humanity.”

His impassioned address invoked the recent Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, describing it not merely as an assault on India, but as an “onslaught on the entire humanity.”

This horrific incident, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists after they were reportedly segregated based on religion, served as a stark reminder of the indiscriminate brutality of terrorism.

Modi’s stance was clear and unyielding: those who fund, promote, or provide safe havens to terrorists must be dealt with in the “harshest terms.” He stressed the imperative of applying “zero tolerance” and rejecting “double standards” in the global fight against this menace.

This direct challenge to any perceived leniency or selective application of anti-terrorism measures resonated strongly with the BRICS leaders, who collectively condemned the Pahalgam attack in the “strongest terms” within the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.

The declaration further underscored a commitment to combat all forms and manifestations of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and its financing, while advocating for the expeditious finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

“Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale,” Prime Minister Modi asserted, adding that “for personal or political gain, giving silent consent and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable.

There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism.” His words served as a powerful indictment of any nation or entity that might tacitly or overtly support extremist elements, underscoring the moral imperative to isolate and punish those who perpetrate such heinous acts.

He concluded this segment by emphasising that condemning terrorism should be a “principle,” not merely a “convenience.”

Beyond terrorism, discussions also touched upon broader global conflicts. Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts, from West Asia to Europe, reaffirming India’s consistent advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolution.

He reiterated India’s readiness to contribute constructively towards such peaceful endeavours.

Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic Affairs, and the AI Frontier

The second major session, focusing on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence,” saw Prime Minister Modi articulate the intrinsic strengths of the BRICS grouping.

He highlighted that the diversity and multipolarity inherent within BRICS were its greatest assets, particularly in a period marked by global uncertainty and pressures on the established world order. He affirmed BRICS’ significant role in shaping a truly multipolar global landscape.

To this end, Prime Minister Modi put forward four key suggestions for the group’s future trajectory:

Firstly, he urged the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) to adhere strictly to a “demand-driven principle” and ensure “long-term sustainability” when sanctioning projects.

This emphasis aims to ensure that NDB projects are not only viable but also directly address the genuine needs and developmental priorities of member and partner countries, particularly those in the Global South.

Secondly, he proposed the establishment of a “Science and Research repository” within the BRICS framework. Such a repository, he suggested, could serve as an invaluable resource, disseminating knowledge, fostering collaboration and ultimately benefiting countries across the Global South.

This initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting scientific and technological advancement for inclusive growth.

Thirdly, Modi stressed the critical importance of securing and building resilience in the supply chains of “critical minerals.” In an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world, access to these essential resources is paramount.

His statement, implicitly referencing the dominance of certain nations in critical mineral supply chains, underscored the need for diversification and collaboration to prevent weaponisation or monopolisation of these vital assets.

This aligns with broader international efforts to de-risk supply chains and promote greater global stability in key economic sectors.

Finally, the Indian Prime Minister addressed the transformative, yet complex, realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He advocated for a “responsible AI” framework, one that judiciously balances concerns regarding AI governance with the equally crucial need to foster innovation in the field.

He emphasised the potential of AI to enhance human values and capabilities, citing India’s own initiatives in leveraging AI across sectors like agriculture, health, education and governance.

The consensus among BRICS leaders was to work collectively towards global standards that ensure transparency, identify content sources and prevent misuse, recognising both the immense potential and inherent risks of this rapidly evolving technology.

The summit also saw the adoption of a “Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of AI,” signifying a unified approach to this critical area. India’s announcement to host an “AI Impact Summit” next year further solidifies its commitment to fostering international cooperation in this domain.

 Expanding Horizons and Future Prospects

A significant development at the 17th BRICS Summit was the official welcoming of Indonesia as a new member state.

This expansion, bringing the total number of BRICS nations to ten (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia), signifies the growing influence and attractiveness of the bloc as a platform for South-South cooperation.

With this expansion, BRICS now collectively represents a substantial portion of the world’s population and global economic output, further solidifying its standing as a formidable force in shaping the future of international relations.

Beyond its internal dynamics, the Rio de Janeiro Declaration also touched upon broader geopolitical concerns. The leaders expressed “grave concern” for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for the release of all hostages, and reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution.

Notably, the declaration also condemned recent “Israel-U.S. military strikes against Iran,” describing them as a “violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.” This collective stance underscores BRICS’ willingness to engage on sensitive international issues and challenge unilateral actions.

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the 17th BRICS Summit marks the beginning of a significant diplomatic engagement in Brazil. Following the summit, he is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Brasilia, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades.

This visit is expected to further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Brazil, complementing the broader BRICS agenda.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies.

The summit in Rio de Janeiro has undoubtedly solidified BRICS’ role as a pivotal force for economic cooperation, global good and a more just and inclusive international order.

As the world navigates an era of profound transformation, the collective voice and proactive engagement of BRICS nations will undoubtedly play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of the 21st century.

The outcomes of this summit, particularly the emphasis on global governance reform, the robust condemnation of terrorism, and the forward-looking approach to Artificial Intelligence, signal a determined effort by these nations to lead by example and contribute to a more stable, prosperous and multipolar world.