Why This BRICS Summit Matters

The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro wasnt just another diplomatic gathering. It was a moment where India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, put forward a bold vision for global cooperation in a world that's shifting rapidly. From the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshaping international governance, PM Modis speech was a roadmap for countries navigating uncertainty, technology, and global power shifts.

At the heart of it: India's call for Responsible AI and a multipolar world order that empowers nations equally, especially in the Global South.

India's Vision: AI as a Tool for Human-Centric Progress

In his address during the Outreach Session on "Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence," PM Modi emphasized that India views AI not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance

human values and capabilities. Quoting his key message:

"We see AI as a medium to enhance human values and capabilities. We are working on the mantra of 'AI for All'."

India is already using AI in areas like:

• Agriculture: Predictive weather data, crop health monitoring

• Healthcare: Early disease detection, digital health records

• Education: AI-powered learning apps in local languages

• Governance: Chatbots, e-courts, traffic management

Key takeaway: India is not just talking about AI its using it to solve real-world problems for millions.

The Bigger Picture: Why Responsible AI Matters

AI can be transformative, but it also raises serious concerns:

• Bias and discrimination in algorithms

• Deepfakes and misinformation

• Job displacement and economic inequality

PM Modi's call for Responsible AI includes:

• Equal focus on innovation and ethics

• Creation of global standards to verify digital content

• Transparency and accountability in AI systems

He highlighted the need to build frameworks that prevent misuse while promoting trust. With AI affecting everything from elections to employment, the need for global cooperation on these issues has never been more urgent.

Indias proposed solution: Hosting the AI Impact Summit in 2026 to bring together global stakeholders and shape international norms for AI governance.

BRICS as a Platform for Shared Leadership

PM Modi described BRICS diversity and commitment to multipolarity as its greatest strength:

"The world is facing multiple challenges and uncertainties. In such a time, the increasing relevance and influence of BRICS is natural."

India's strategic suggestions included:

Indias Soft Power in Action: Real Initiatives, Not Just Talk

India isnt relying on words alone. Here are real-world initiatives PM Modi referenced that show India walking the talk:

• One Nation, One Subscription: Making academic journals accessible across India, breaking digital barriers in education.

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Tools like UPI, DigiLocker, and CoWIN used across sectors and now shared globally.

• Global South Partnerships: BRICS as a bridge for countries outside the G7 to shape digital norms.

What it signals: India is offering scalable, open models for global adoption, especially by other developing nations.

Why the Call for Multipolarity Matters Now

PM Modi made it clear: India sees a multipolar world as fairer and more stable. The dominance of one or two global powers, especially in tech and finance, often sidelines smaller nations.

Key arguments for multipolarity:

• More voices in global rule-making

• Reducing dependency on single points of failure (like SWIFT or dominant AI models)

• Encouraging regional resilience and local innovation

Indias position: BRICS should be a champion of this balance by reforming global institutions and promoting inclusive decision-making.

What This Means for the Global South

PM Modi's address wasn't just about India. It was about lifting voices often ignored in global forums.

Why this matters:

• The Global South faces digital exclusion, weak data protections, and limited bargaining power

• With AI and digital tools becoming central to governance, leaving these countries out of standard-setting is dangerous

Indias proposal: BRICS should actively include the Global South in shaping AI and economic frameworks not as beneficiaries, but as partners.

AI Impact Summit 2026: A Big Opportunity Ahead

India will host the AI Impact Summit next year, bringing together:

• Policymakers

• AI experts and developers

• Civil society groups

• Industry leaders

Summit Goals:

• Build consensus on Responsible AI

• Share best practices from BRICS and beyond

• Align on verification tools for digital content

• Ensure AI benefits are inclusive and human-first

This Summit could shape global AI rules for years to come and India wants to lead that conversation.

Final Takeaways

• India is stepping up as a global voice on AI ethics and multilateral governance

• PM Modi's BRICS 2025 address lays the foundation for fairer, human-centered AI frameworks

• The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a key moment to watch for global digital governance

• BRICS must lead by collaboration, not dominance

As AI, geopolitics, and development challenges converge, India is making its case not with slogans, but with substance.