Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, discussing the need for reforming multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary global realities. The meeting took place on September 11, 2026, as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit under its 2026 chairship. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders emphasized the importance of multipolarity and the urgent need for UN reforms.

The discussion covered a range of global issues, including ongoing conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric artificial intelligence, progress in renewable energy, and global food security. Modi also expressed his best wishes for Guterres' remaining tenure. The conversation on multilateral reform comes as India continues to push for a greater role in global decision-making bodies. In July, India officially launched its campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined India's priorities, peacekeeping record, and commitment to multilateralism during the launch of the candidature at the UN headquarters. He noted that member states would assess India's vision for addressing global challenges and its track record in contributing to international peace and security. The BRICS Summit, under India's chairmanship, is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' with development, sustainability, and innovation as key areas of focus.

BRICS, which currently comprises 11 countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE — has emerged as a significant platform for coordination among major emerging economies and for advancing the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions. The grouping's agenda includes development, finance, technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. India's BRICS chairmanship occurs amid global economic fragmentation, technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, and resource pressures.

The expanded BRICS grouping provides a platform for cooperation on development, climate action, technology, energy, and financial resilience, while also contributing to discussions on reforms in global institutions. However, the specific details of the reforms proposed by India or other BRICS members remain unclear. The meeting between Modi and Guterres highlights India's growing influence in global governance and its strategic push for a more prominent role in international institutions.

The exact nature of the discussions on UN Security Council reform and the specific proposals from India or other BRICS members are not detailed in the available sources. The focus remains on the broader themes of multilateralism, global challenges, and the need for institutional adaptation to contemporary realities. As India continues to advocate for its candidature in the UN Security Council, the BRICS Summit serves as a key platform for advancing its global agenda and strengthening its position in international affairs.