At a BRICS session on institutional transformation on May 15, 2026, India pressed for a comprehensive overhaul of global governance, arguing that many multilateral institutions set up in a different era no longer reflect today’s interconnected, multipolar world.
India warned that the “effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under increasing scrutiny,” and framed reform as “not a matter of choice, but of necessity.” The delegation said long-standing decision‑making arrangements are outdated and must be adapted to restore legitimacy and deliver results.
Central to India’s call was reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council. New Delhi urged expansion of both permanent and non‑permanent seats to better represent Asia, Africa and Latin America, and pushed member states to move beyond declaratory language to concrete, text‑based negotiations on changes.
India also highlighted practical vulnerabilities facing the Global South: fragile supply chains, energy insecurity and persistent obstacles to accessing finance. It called for an evolution of the international financial architecture and urged multilateral development banks to be more responsive in mobilizing climate and development finance tailored to national priorities.
On trade, India noted risks from non‑market practices and concentrated supply chains. While reiterating support for a rules‑based trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, it insisted on reforms to ensure a fairer and more level playing field for developing countries.
The Indian statement argued that genuine multilateralism must become more democratic, more representative and more effective. It insisted global cooperation be grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law, and said contemporary crises demand faster institutional adaptation.
Summing up the urgency, India urged sustained cooperation and dialogue among nations and pledged to work with partners to build a more equitable international order. The message: reform is overdue and must be pursued with resolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
