Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored that restructuring the United Nations Security Council has become an urgent requirement rather than a matter of choice. Speaking at the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Summit, he stressed that the three nations must collectively push for meaningful reforms in global governance institutions.
Modi stated that at a time when the world is witnessing growing divisions and uncertainty, IBSA has the potential to project a strong message of solidarity, collaboration and shared humanity. To enhance strategic coordination, he proposed formalising regular IBSA-level meetings of National Security Advisors to deepen cooperation in the field of security.
Addressing the global challenge of terrorism, the Prime Minister called for unified action and clearly stated that there should be zero tolerance for double standards in dealing with such threats.
Highlighting the transformative power of technology, Modi proposed the creation of an “IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance” aimed at promoting the exchange of Digital Public Infrastructure. This would include platforms such as UPI, CoWIN, cybersecurity systems and initiatives supporting women-led technological development among the three nations.
He also praised the IBSA Fund for its significant contribution to development projects in over 40 countries, covering sectors like education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and renewable energy. To further strengthen cooperation among developing nations, Modi suggested launching an IBSA Fund dedicated to Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
Calling the summit particularly significant, he noted its alignment with the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on African soil and the conclusion of four successive G20 presidencies led by Global South nations, three of which were IBSA members. These developments, he said, have driven initiatives focusing on inclusive development, sustainability and reform of multilateral institutions.
Describing IBSA as more than a trilateral grouping, Modi remarked that it represents a bridge between three continents and stands as a convergence of three major democracies and emerging economies.
He also extended an invitation to the IBSA leaders to participate in the upcoming AI Impact Summit to be hosted in India, emphasizing the group’s role in shaping ethical, safe and human-centric artificial intelligence standards.
The Prime Minister concluded by highlighting the complementary strengths of IBSA nations and their collective potential to set a global example in sustainable development. He identified key areas of collaboration including millets, organic and natural farming, disaster preparedness, renewable energy, traditional medicine and health security.
