BRICS leaders on Saturday unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, setting out the grouping’s position on terrorism, global conflicts, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence and development.
The 140-point declaration, titled “New Delhi Declaration — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, highlighted several issues of importance to the Global South. The leaders backed India and Brazil’s aspirations for a greater role in the United Nations, including permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
Terrorism remained a key focus of the declaration. BRICS strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people and injured several others. The grouping also expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities operating under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
On the situation in West Asia, BRICS called for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanded full and unhindered humanitarian assistance. The group opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians and backed a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. It also supported Palestine’s full membership of the United Nations.
Trade and tariffs were another major issue. BRICS expressed concern over the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, saying they could distort international trade and conflict with World Trade Organization rules. The group opposed protectionist measures being presented as environmental policies and criticised unilateral economic and secondary sanctions that are not authorised by the UN Security Council.
The declaration also encouraged greater use of local currencies for trade and investment among BRICS members. Leaders supported improved interoperability between cross-border payment and financial messaging systems.
India-led initiatives also received support. Members showed interest in establishing a BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City in Gujarat to strengthen financial risk management. The grouping also endorsed India’s initiative for an International Big Cats Alliance to promote conservation.
On technology, BRICS committed to implementing its Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, underlining the need for greater international cooperation in managing the rapidly developing technology.
The declaration also addressed Lebanon, calling on Israel to respect its agreements with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from Lebanese territory. BRICS expressed condolences over the deaths of UN peacekeepers serving in Lebanon.
The summit highlighted BRICS’ growing focus on strengthening cooperation among emerging economies while seeking a greater role for the Global South in global decision-making.
Reader Comments 0