The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the outcome, stating: “No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously.”
Held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, the summit marked two decades of BRICS and brought together leaders of the expanded grouping. The 140-point declaration reflects consensus on a wide range of issues despite differing geopolitical positions among members.
Terrorism and Security
The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It specifically condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 (Pahalgam), in which 26 people were killed. Leaders called for zero tolerance, rejection of double standards, action against cross-border terrorism, terror financing and safe havens, and support for finalising the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Global Conflicts and Peaceful Solutions
India successfully steered the grouping towards language favouring dialogue and diplomacy. The declaration expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in West Asia/Middle East, called for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, unhindered humanitarian access (including in Gaza), and support for a two-state solution. It underlined the need to resolve international disputes through peaceful means and upheld international law.
Trade, Finance and Economic Cooperation
BRICS opposed unilateral trade restrictions and tariffs. The declaration supported faster, low-cost and efficient cross-border payments, greater use of local currencies for trade settlements and investments, and resilient critical mineral supply chains. It also welcomed mechanisms to address growth and development challenges for emerging markets and developing economies, including a new BRICS Task Force on Growth and Development.
Energy, Sustainability and Other Areas
Cooperation on energy security, smart grids, energy storage, climate action, digital public infrastructure, health, artificial intelligence governance, and people-to-people exchanges (including women-led development and youth) featured prominently. The document reaffirmed the three pillars of BRICS cooperation: political & security, economic & financial, and cultural & people-to-people.
The adoption of a consensus document on the first day of the summit is widely viewed as a diplomatic success for India’s chairship. More than 400 meetings and engagements were held across 30 Indian cities during the year. The declaration also extended full support to China for its 2027 BRICS Chairship and the 19th Summit.
As BRICS continues to evolve into a more mature platform representing a significant share of the world’s population and economic growth, the New Delhi Declaration provides a clear roadmap for practical cooperation while amplifying the voice of the Global South on the world stage.
