At BRICS Outreach Summit, PM Modi calls for stronger multilateralism, ethical AI, and deeper global cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the importance of multilateralism, economic cooperation, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence (AI) while addressing the BRICS Outreach Summit in Brazil.
Speaking at the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for inviting him to share India’s perspective alongside partner countries from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
“It is a great pleasure for me to participate in this meeting with my friends from the extended BRICS family. My heartfelt thanks to President Lula for giving me the opportunity,” Modi said.
Highlighting BRICS’ growing relevance in a rapidly evolving global order, Modi remarked, “Our confidence in the diversity and multipolarity of the BRICS Group is our greatest strength. As the world faces challenges and uncertainties, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural. We should consider how BRICS can become a guide for a multipolar world.”
Four key proposals to strengthen BRICS cooperation
Modi outlined four main suggestions to deepen cooperation within BRICS and contribute meaningfully to the Global South.
First, he praised ongoing economic collaboration through the BRICS Business Council and Women Business Alliance and welcomed Brazil’s focus on International Financial System reforms. He called for the BRICS New Development Bank to adopt demand-driven, sustainable, and credible lending practices to support development goals effectively.
Second, Modi urged BRICS to meet the special expectations of the Global South. He cited India’s BRICS Agricultural Research Platform as a valuable initiative to share expertise in areas such as agri-biotech and climate adaptation and proposed extending its benefits to other developing nations. He also highlighted India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative and suggested creating a BRICS Science and Research Repository.
Third, the Prime Minister stressed the need to secure critical supply chains for minerals and technologies, warning that no country should exploit such resources selfishly or weaponize them against others.
Fourth, Modi called for global standards to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI. He said AI should enhance human values and potential while addressing risks, biases, and misuse. “Working on the mantra of ‘AI for All,’ India is actively using AI in agriculture, health, education, and governance,” he said.
He also noted the importance of authenticating digital content to maintain transparency and prevent manipulation. Welcoming the Leaders’ Statement on Global AI Governance issued at the summit, Modi announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year and invited all partners to participate.
Reaffirming India’s role in the Global South
Modi concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South and the principle of ‘Lead by Example.’ “India is fully committed to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all our partners to achieve our common goals,” he said.
The address underlined India’s vision for a multipolar, inclusive, and technology-driven global order, while advocating responsible innovation and equitable growth.