Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Addressing plenary sessions on multilateralism, economic-financial affairs, artificial intelligence, and on peace, security and global governance reform, Modi argued that international institutions must reflect contemporary realities. Invoking the technology metaphor, the Indian leader said, “You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” calling it unacceptable that bodies such as the UN Security Council, the World Trade Organization and global financial institutions have remained largely unchanged for 80 years. He urged BRICS members to champion fair and equitable representation for the Global South and pledged India’s constructive engagement on climate action, health, and responsible AI. On the sidelines, Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi, reviewing progress in trade, technology, pharmaceuticals and defence cooperation and signalling a push to deepen India’s partnerships in Latin America. The prime minister departed for Brasília after the summit for a state visit, where broader talks with President Lula are expected to build on the momentum generated in Rio.