NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined fellow leaders at the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming India’s commitment to greater collaboration and equitable global development.Held at the Museum of Modern Art, the summit brought together representatives from the original five Brics nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—as well as new member countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.During the traditional photo session, PM Modi stood alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and other leaders.“With fellow Brics leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. Brics holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future,” PM Modi said in a post on X.In his address at the first plenary session, PM Modi said the Global South has often been a victim of “double standards,” particularly when it comes to development, distribution of resources, and security. He argued that countries making major contributions to the global economy still lack representation in key decision-making bodies.“The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Whether it is about development, distribution of resources, or security-related issues,” he said. PM Modi added that on issues like climate finance, sustainable development and access to technology, developing countries have received little more than token gestures.He criticised the outdated nature of global institutions, noting, “In the age of artificial intelligence, where technology is updated every week, it is not acceptable for a global institution to not be updated even once in 80 years.” He added that “21st century software cannot be run by 20th century type-writers.”Calling for comprehensive reforms of institutions such as the UN Security Council, WTO and multilateral development banks, he said reforms should not be symbolic but must include real changes to governance structures, voting rights and leadership positions.“The challenges of the countries of the Global South should be given priority in policy-making,” he stressed, while describing Brics expansion as proof of the bloc’s ability to evolve with time. He further said, “India has always considered it its duty to rise above its own interests and work in the interest of humanity.”The ministry of external affairs also highlighted the collective stance of the bloc. “A collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values. PM Narendra Modi joined the Leaders from the Brics countries for the family photo at the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,” the MEA posted on X.The summit, hosted by Brazil from 6 to 7 July, focused on key global issues ranging from multilateralism and artificial intelligence to climate action, peace and security, and economic resilience. PM Modi exchanged views with other leaders on all these matters during the summit sessions.Earlier, PM Modi was seen sharing a hug with Brazilian President Lula on arrival and also catching up with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. “Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year’s Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brics remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good,” PM Modi wrote on X. In another post, he said, “Good catching up with my friend, President Ramaphosa of South Africa!”