BRICS Adopts New Delhi Declaration
New Delhi Declaration – Emerging Global South Agenda at BRICS 2026: The 18th BRICS Summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration after extensive negotiations among member countries, particularly over the wording related to the West Asia conflict.
As the host and chair, India played an important diplomatic role in bringing together different positions within the grouping and ensuring that geopolitical differences did not prevent the adoption of a joint declaration.
The consensus was particularly significant because BRICS foreign ministers had been unable to release a joint statement in May due to differences between Iran and the UAE.
Focus on the West Asia Conflict
Instead of directly assigning responsibility for the conflict, the declaration adopted broader language that could accommodate the differing positions of BRICS members.
The declaration called for:
- Maximum restraint and avoidance of actions that could intensify the conflict
- Dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace
- Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure
- Continuity of trade, supply chains and energy flows
Nuclear Safety
BRICS expressed serious concern regarding attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.
It emphasised that nuclear safety and security must be maintained even during armed conflicts.
Gaza and Palestine
The New Delhi Declaration reiterated BRICS’ position on the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza and Palestine.
It called for:
- Continuation of the ceasefire
- Unrestricted humanitarian assistance
- Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure
- Opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians
- Rejection of starvation as a method of warfare
- Support for UNRWA
- A two-state solution
- A Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital
- Palestinian self-determination and right of return
- Full UN membership for Palestine
The declaration also addressed Lebanon, calling for adherence to the ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from remaining Lebanese territory. It also supported an inclusive political transition in Syria.
Terrorism – Important Gain for India
Counter-terrorism emerged as a major area of significance for India.
BRICS strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and specifically referred to the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed.
The declaration highlighted:
- Terror financing
- Terrorist safe havens
- Extremism and radicalisation among youth
- International counter-terrorism cooperation
- Zero tolerance towards terrorism
- Opposition to double standards in counter-terrorism
It also stated that terrorism should not be linked to any particular religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.
The declaration recognised the role of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG).
Static GK Tip: The explicit focus on terrorism and cross-border terrorist threats is particularly important for India because of its long-standing concerns regarding terrorism originating across its borders.
Trade – Opposition to Unilateral Protectionism
Against the backdrop of increasing tariffs and global trade tensions, BRICS opposed unilateral coercive measures that are inconsistent with international law, the UN Charter and WTO principles.
The grouping called for a fair, stable and predictable international trading system that supports sustainable development.
BRICS also opposed unilateral Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) when they are applied in a punitive, discriminatory or protectionist manner.
The position reflects the broader objective of strengthening the economic voice of developing countries and reducing their vulnerability to unilateral economic measures.
De-dollarisation – No Common BRICS Currency
The summit did not announce the creation of a common BRICS currency.
Instead, members adopted a gradual approach focused on increasing the use of local currencies and improving cross-border payment systems.
Major priorities include:
- Interoperability of national payment systems
- Faster, cheaper and safer international payments
- Greater use of local currencies for trade and investment
- Technical work through the BRICS Payment Task Force
- Expansion of local-currency financing by the New Development Bank (NDB)
- Continued work on a proposed New Investment Platform
- Exploration of India’s proposed BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City
Thus, BRICS is focusing on financial diversification and payment-system interoperability, rather than immediately introducing a common currency.
Artificial Intelligence and the Global South
BRICS recognised Artificial Intelligence (AI) as both an economic opportunity and a governance challenge for developing countries.
The declaration stressed:
- Inclusive access to AI resources
- AI safety and security
- Reliability and energy efficiency
- Trustworthy and inclusive AI
- Greater participation of developing countries in global AI governance
BRICS also welcomed India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
India’s Key Contributions
The declaration carries several initiatives aligned with India’s priorities.
Digital Public Infrastructure
BRICS proposed a repository for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and pilot projects. This could provide opportunities for member countries to learn from India’s experience with digital public platforms.
Health Cooperation
The declaration supports a BRICS Training Hub Network and Centres of Excellence on mental well-being.
NIMHANS, Bengaluru will serve as the coordinating centre for this initiative.
Industry 4.0
An India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies is proposed to help manufacturing companies and small businesses adopt Industry 4.0 and advanced digital technologies.
Development Cooperation
Other initiatives include:
- BRICS Task Force on Growth and Development
- BRICS–New Development Bank Knowledge Portal
- Cooperation on infrastructure and public-private partnerships
- Strengthening the BRICS insurance ecosystem
Significance of the New Delhi Declaration
The New Delhi Declaration reflects BRICS’ effort to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South at a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation.
For India, the summit provided an opportunity to project itself as a bridge-builder among countries with differing geopolitical interests, while advancing issues such as counter-terrorism, digital public infrastructure, local-currency payments and development cooperation.
The declaration also demonstrates BRICS’ broader ambition to contribute towards a more representative and multipolar global order.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
New Delhi Declaration – Emerging Global South Agenda at BRICS 2026:
| Fact | Detail |
| Declaration | New Delhi Declaration 2026 |
| Summit | 18th BRICS Summit |
| Host & Chair | India |
| Major Diplomatic Issue | West Asia Conflict |
| Palestine Position | Two-State Solution |
| Palestinian State Basis | 1967 Borders |
| Proposed Capital | East Jerusalem |
| Terror Attack Mentioned | April 2025 Pahalgam Terrorist Attack |
| Counter-Terrorism Body | BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group |
| Common BRICS Currency | Not Announced |
| Financial Priority | Local-Currency Payments |
| Payment Initiative | BRICS Payment Task Force |
| Development Bank | New Development Bank |
| AI Focus | Safe, Inclusive and Trustworthy AI |
| DPI Initiative | Proposed BRICS DPI Repository |
| Health Centre | NIMHANS, Bengaluru |
| Industrial Initiative | India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies |
| Broader Agenda | Global South Cooperation and Multipolarity |
