PM Modi pitches G20-style 'Troika' system to ensure Brics keeps moving

PM Modi speaks during the 18th Brics Summit, at the Bharat Mandapam, in New DelhiNEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday proposed a new implementation and continuity mechanism for Brics, anchored by a “Troika” system and a secure digital repository to track decisions, nodal points and timelines as the grouping’s annual presidencies rotate.Addressing the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairship, PM Modi said a seamless follow-up mechanism was essential to maintain institutional momentum as Brics entered its third decade and began shaping an ambitious agenda for the next 20 years.“We need to work on a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years. We must begin this process with our own internal working systems. While the Brics presidency rotates annually, this should not disrupt our institutional momentum. I propose the establishment of a Brics continuity and implementation mechanism,” PM Modi said.He said the proposed mechanism would allow initiatives and outcomes to be followed up through the Troika arrangement.“This would enable the follow-up of all initiatives and outcomes through the 'Troika' arrangement. We could also create a secure digital repository to record the nodal point, timeframe, and implementation status associated with every decision,” PM Modi said.The Troika mechanism provides for coordination among the previous, current and incoming Brics chairs to ensure continuity as the presidency changes annually.The proposed system draws a parallel with the G20 Troika, under which the previous, current and incoming presidencies work together to maintain continuity in the grouping’s agenda and priorities. PM Modi’s proposal seeks to apply a similar continuity framework to Brics, alongside a digital repository to track the implementation of decisions.PM Modi calls for time-bound global governance reformsAlongside reforms to Brics' internal working system, PM Modi called for time-bound changes to global multilateral institutions, saying reform of the United Nations Security Council could no longer be delayed.He proposed a three-pillar framework of Representation, Responsiveness and Rule-making to guide the future roadmap for global governance and the Global South.“In formulating this roadmap, we must focus on three key aspects: Representation, Responsiveness, and Rule-making. Regarding representation, I would like to state that reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed. Negotiations on this matter must be linked to a definite timeframe and clear outcomes,” PM Modi said.He also called for voting power, leadership positions and policy priorities within international financial institutions to reflect current economic realities.“Countries that drive global economic growth should also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance,” he said.PM Modi said developing countries continued to face an imbalance in global decision-making and proposed that Brics members jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, with the aim of finalising them as a Brics reform roadmap by the next summit.“Today, the Global South stands in the front row of global crises but in the back row of decision-making. We must transform this 'pyramid of privilege' into a 'platform of partnership'—one where every nation has a voice, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity lies at the heart of every endeavour,” he said.The Prime Minister said the existing global governance structure resembled a pyramid, with power and decision-making concentrated at the top while countries affected by those decisions remained unable to shape them.“While strengthening Brics, we must also chart a course for global reform. The current structure of global governance resembles a pyramid: power and decision-making are concentrated at the top, while the lower tiers consist of nations that are affected by these decisions yet unable to shape them,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister said the Global South must become a “rule shaper” to deal with the challenges facing the world. He also proposed a seafarers’ network among Brics countries to ensure their safety.Brics marks 20 years as India hosts summitPM Modi thanked participating countries for their contribution and support during India’s Brics chairship, describing the grouping’s 20th anniversary as a historic milestone.“I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your active contribution and support in making India’s Brics chairmanship a success. This year’s Brics summit marks a historic milestone. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Brics. In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility,” he said.India is hosting the 18th Brics Summit under its 2026 chairship, with the grouping entering its third decade.The summit is expected to deliberate on protecting developing economies from the global impact of wars in Ukraine and West Asia.PM Modi also said Brics had established a distinct identity on the global stage and was “not against anyone”.The summit is being attended by leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.Other leaders attending include Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.Joint statement after intensive negotiationsA joint statement is also set to be issued by Brics nations during the summit after intensive negotiations.The negotiations continued until 4 am on Saturday, with differences reported on several contentious issues. India led consultations to bridge competing positions and build consensus among members.The statement comes against the backdrop of differing positions among Brics members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, on regional and geopolitical issues.India assumed the Brics chairship for 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”The theme focuses on strengthening existing achievements and institutional effectiveness while placing development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of the grouping’s agenda.PM Modi welcomed Brics delegates, including Xi and Putin, to Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the summit in New Delhi.Brics has emerged as a platform for cooperation among major emerging economies, with its agenda covering development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.