NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a reset of global governance, saying the Global South is at the "front row" of global crises but remains at the "back row" of decision-making, and urged Brics countries to replace the existing "pyramid of privilege" with a "platform of partnership".Delivering the opening remarks, as the Brics summit was officially declared open, PM Modi proposed that member countries jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reforms and develop them into 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 effort," PM said."In this regard, I propose that we jointly formulate 10 proposals for global governance reform, aiming to shape them into a BRICS reform roadmap by the time of the next summit," he added.The Prime Minisyer also called for time-bound reform of global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, saying its restructuring "can no longer be postponed". "In formulating this roadmap, we must focus on three key aspects: Representation, Responsiveness, and Rule-making," he said, adding that voting power, leadership positions and policy priorities in financial institutions must reflect "today's economic realities".

He also proposed a Brics continuity and implementation mechanism, using the "Troika" arrangement of the previous, current and incoming chairs to track initiatives and outcomes. "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 further reiterated that Brics had established a distinct identity on the global stage and was "not against anyone". He also proposed a seafarers' network among BRICS members to strengthen their safety and welfare.Brics Summit is being held on Saturday and Sunday at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability". Leaders attending the summit include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.