Global South Victim Of Double Standards: PM Modi At BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharply criticized what he called the “double standards” faced by the Global South in matters of development, resource distribution, and global security. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Modi said countries in the Global South have long been subjected to symbolic gestures rather than meaningful support on issues like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access.

“The Global South has been handed nothing more than token gestures,” Modi said, addressing leaders from across the BRICS bloc. “When it comes to development, the distribution of resources, or security-related concerns, we have been the victims of global double standards.”

The summit, hosted by Brazil, saw the participation of leaders from the expanded BRICS grouping, though notable absences included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi reiterated India's commitment to working constructively with all BRICS members and emphasized the country’s willingness to put global interests above its own.

Speaking on the recent expansion of the bloc, Modi called the inclusion of new members a sign of BRICS’ evolving relevance. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the bloc added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE in 2024, with Indonesia joining in 2025.

The summit concluded with a traditional "family photo" of BRICS leaders. Modi appeared alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and representatives of the expanded membership, marking a moment of unity and renewed multilateral cooperation.