Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just 'convenience': PM Modi at Brics Summit - Top quotes

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, called for decisive global action against terrorism and urgent reforms in outdated international institutions. Delivering a sharp critique of the global system’s failure to respond to 21st-century challenges, he stressed that the Global South has been repeatedly marginalised and subjected to double standards.

Speaking at the session on peace and security, PM Modi condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it an assault not just on India but on all humanity. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing urgency for a new, inclusive global order that genuinely reflects the modern world’s power dynamics and challenges.

“The world cannot be governed by 20th-century institutions in an AI-driven, fast-changing era,” PM Modi said.

There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025

PM Modi also praised the expansion of Brics, welcoming Indonesia to the grouping and expressing appreciation for Brazil’s leadership under President Lula da Silva. Reaffirming India’s commitment to global cooperation, he said the Brics grouping had the potential to reshape the future in a more equitable and inclusive direction.

Top quotes from PM Modi's speech at Brics summit:

• "Global institutions established in the 20th century have not provided adequate voice to two-thirds of humanity. Nations contributing significantly to the world economy don’t even have a seat on key decision making tables. Without the Global South, global institutions are like a mobile phone that may have a SIM but no network."
• "In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven’t undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software can’t run on a 20th-century typewriter!"
• "The expansion of Brics clearly shows that Brics is an organisation capable of changing itself with the times. Now, we need to show the same resolve for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council, WTO, and multilateral development banks."
• "Terrorism is among the most serious challenges facing humanity. Recently, India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This was an attack on all of humanity."
• "For global peace and prosperity, Brics nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism. On a subject like terrorism, there is no room for double standards! If any country provides direct or indirect support to terrorism, it must pay the price for it."
• "There must be absolutely no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. We cannot weigh victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale. Any silent support or approval to terrorism for personal or political interests must be unacceptable."
• "India, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha, believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the best option for the welfare of humanity. And, India will do everything possible in this direction."