Modi and UN Chief Guterres Call for UN Security Council Reform and Stronger Multipolar Institutions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New Delhi on September 11 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with the discussions focusing on multilateral reform, global conflicts, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and food security.

Guterres congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India assuming the BRICS chairship for the fourth time, as the grouping continues to expand its role in global economic and political affairs.

Push for Reform of Global Institutions

A major theme of the meeting was the need to reshape international institutions to reflect present-day geopolitical and economic realities.

Modi and Guterres underscored the importance of multipolarity and agreed that multilateral organisations need reform if they are to remain representative and effective.

Particular attention was given to the United Nations Security Council, where India has consistently argued that the existing structure does not adequately reflect the contemporary balance of global population, economic influence and political power.

The discussion reinforced India’s broader call for greater representation of developing countries and the Global South in major international decision-making institutions.

Global Conflicts and Freedom of Navigation

The two leaders also exchanged views on ongoing international conflicts and their wider consequences.

Among the issues discussed was the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, particularly at a time when geopolitical tensions are affecting commercial shipping routes, energy flows and international trade.

For India, secure maritime routes remain vital because of the country’s dependence on global sea lanes for energy imports, merchandise trade and the movement of Indian seafarers.

Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy

Sustainable development featured prominently in the talks, alongside progress in renewable energy.

India has increasingly used international platforms to highlight the need for development models that combine economic growth with climate responsibility and energy access.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss how multilateral institutions can support countries in expanding clean energy, strengthening development financing and meeting broader sustainable development objectives.

Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence

Modi and Guterres also discussed human-centric artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing international debate over how AI should be governed.

India has emphasised that emerging technologies should remain inclusive, accessible and oriented toward human welfare rather than becoming concentrated in the hands of a few countries or corporations.

The conversation therefore linked AI governance with wider questions of development, fairness and international cooperation.

Global Food Security

Global food security was another area of discussion.

Food supply chains have come under pressure from conflict, climate events, trade disruption and rising input costs, making agricultural resilience an increasingly important element of international stability.

The exchange reflected the wider concern that multilateral institutions must remain capable of responding to food shortages and ensuring that vulnerable countries are not disproportionately affected by global crises.

Modi Wishes Guterres Well for Remainder of Tenure

Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his best wishes to António Guterres for the remainder of his tenure as UN Secretary-General.

The meeting highlighted the convergence between India’s BRICS agenda and its broader approach to multilateral reform: a more representative global order, stronger voice for developing countries and institutions capable of addressing modern challenges ranging from conflict and food security to renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

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