PM Modi and the UN Chief Discuss the Need to Reform International Organisations at the BRICS Summit

During their meeting on the fringes of the BRICS Summit in the nation’s capital on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the importance of multipolarity and the necessity of reforming multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary realities in the current and constantly changing world.

Guterres congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India’s fourth BRICS chairmanship, according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. “Both leaders underscored the significance of multipolarity and the need to reform multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary realities,” the MEA said.

The two leaders also talked about a variety of topics, such as the world’s ongoing conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centered artificial intelligence, advancements in renewable energy, and global food security.

“They also held discussions on various issues, including ongoing conflicts and freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric AI, progress in renewable energy, and global food security,” the statement added.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi wished Guterres well for the balance of his term. As India continues to advocate for a larger position in international decision-making bodies, talks about reforming multilateral institutions are taking place. India formally began its campaign in July to be elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2028–2029 term.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while launching India’s candidature at the UN headquarters, outlined India’s priorities, peacekeeping record and commitment to multilateralism.

“It’s a pleasure to join you this afternoon to launch India’s candidature to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2028-29. We do so at a time when the world is facing a profound paradox… At the same time, we are witnessing levels of conflict, violence and instability that threaten even those who may be very far away,” Jaishankar said.

According to him, member states would inevitably evaluate India’s strategy for tackling global issues as well as its history of promoting world peace and security. The Modi-Guterres meeting occurred during India’s 2026 chairmanship of the 18th BRICS Summit. The topic “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” serves as the foundation for India’s Chairship, with development, sustainability, and innovation serving as important focal points.

In order to advance the interests of the Global South in international institutions and to facilitate cooperation among key emerging economies, BRICS has become a crucial forum. Development, finance, technology, trade, and interpersonal interactions are all on its agenda. Eleven nations presently make up the group: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

India’s BRICS Chairmanship coincides with resource constraints, geopolitical unpredictability, technological disruption, global economic fragmentation, and climate change. In addition to contributing to conversations about changes in international organisations, the extended group offers a forum for collaboration on development, climate action, technology, energy, and financial resilience.