BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration in New Delhi, voicing serious concern over rising unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade and contravene World Trade Organization rules.

The expanded bloc sought to project unity on trade, geopolitics, and global governance.

The declaration was adopted unanimously at the BRICS Summit after India led sustained consultations to bridge differences among members, including over the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally proposed the adoption of the declaration, noting that it encapsulated the essence of discussions and perspectives on global and regional issues while outlining priorities for strengthening BRICS cooperation. No objections were raised, and the declaration was adopted unanimously.

This consensus marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough, especially after BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement in May due to differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. 

The achievement came against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, with tit-for-tat strikes resuming in their six-month-old war. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have also tightened their grip in the Red Sea region.

The declaration expressed concern over the growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict, stressing that nuclear safeguards, safety, and security must always be upheld, including during armed conflicts. Indian officials described securing agreement amid ongoing conflicts and heightened Gulf tensions as a particularly complex diplomatic challenge.

Trade and economic cooperation were placed at the centre of the BRICS agenda. Leaders voiced serious concern over unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures inconsistent with WTO rules.

The bloc condemned unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, a recurring theme in BRICS discussions as members seek to reduce vulnerability to external economic pressure.

The declaration encouraged continued discussions to facilitate practical solutions for cross-border payments among BRICS countries, reflecting the bloc’s broader push to deepen trade and financial cooperation. India has been pressing members to strengthen trade cooperation, reduce barriers, and expand business opportunities, while positioning BRICS as a stronger voice in shaping global economic rules.

Opening the summit, Modi declared that BRICS had “come of age” and must translate unity and consensus into concrete results on the global stage. He emphasised the need to reform global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to ensure permanent representation for India and other emerging powers. Modi argued that the Global South, often at the forefront of crises but side lined in decision-making, must be given a stronger role in shaping the future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the summit. Xi urged BRICS countries to stand on the “right side of history” by steering the international order towards greater equity and justice.

India, maintaining ties with the United States, Russia, Israel, Iran, and Gulf Arab states, is navigating competing geopolitical interests while using its BRICS chairship to push for greater economic cooperation and a stronger role for developing countries in global decision-making.

The BRICS grouping now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2009, the bloc has consistently sought a greater role for emerging economies in institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and WTO.

The New Delhi Declaration thus represents both a diplomatic success for India and a collective statement by BRICS against unilateral trade measures, while reinforcing the bloc’s ambition to reshape global governance and amplify the voice of the Global South.

Agencies