The New Delhi Declaration 2026:BRICS strengthening cooperation amid global challenges

The New Delhi Declaration 2026 was accepted unanimously during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September. The declaration outlines the shared vision and key priorities of the BRICS nations, including India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.

The declaration has 140 detailed points. It was adopted under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets.” This shows that member states are committed to working together more closely in political, economic, security, and social areas, especially as the global environment continues to change and become more complex.

BRICS accounts for 26% of global trade, 40% of gross domestic product (GDP), and 49.50% of the global population.

Summit context and adoption process

The declaration was finalised and adopted on the first day of the two-day summit after lengthy negotiations. As the host, India played a key role in mediating differences, particularly between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption, highlighting the unity and consensus achieved among the group despite differing national interests.

This declaration builds on past BRICS communiqués, broadening cooperation and emphasising the group’s goal of leading a more equitable and multipolar world. It shows BRICS as a platform for emerging and developing economies to align policies and express a unified voice globally.

Several core themes and detailed commitments were discussed during the summit.

Reforming global governance and strengthening multilateralism

The declaration calls for reforming global governance to better represent today’s geopolitical realities and the interests of emerging economies. BRICS criticises the current international system for favouring a select group of developed countries, labelling it a “pyramid of privilege.”

Prime Minister Modi’s ten-point roadmap for BRICS reform, highlighted during the summit, envisions transforming this pyramid into a “platform of partnership” that emphasises inclusivity, equity, and respect for sovereignty.

The declaration reaffirms support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, reflecting a shared vision for a more representative and democratic global governance architecture.

BRICS underlines the need for a rules-based international order focused on sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The group advocates for strengthening the United Nations and its specialised agencies to improve their effectiveness and legitimacy.

Promoting fair competition and trade facilitation

The declaration talks about challenges caused by unilateral trade measures, tariff barriers, and protectionism, which threaten fair competition and global economic stability.

BRICS supports open, transparent, and non-discriminatory trade practices that align with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles.

A significant addition in 2026 is the focus on the internationalisation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The BRICS Work Plan 2026 aims to improve trade finance access for MSMEs, acknowledging their importance in economic growth, job creation, and export diversification.

The declaration proposes a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support MSMEs by encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology adoption among member states. The declaration also shows ongoing efforts to promote cross-border payments and trade settlements using local currencies among member states.

Further, the group commits to studying and implementing cross-border interoperability of payment and messaging systems to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows within BRICS.

Energy security, sustainable development, and technology neutrality

Energy security is a critical focus, with the declaration stating the need for diversified energy sources, resilient infrastructure, and stable markets to support sustainable development.

While acknowledging the global imperative for renewable energy and just energy transitions, the declaration pragmatically recognises the continuing role of fossil fuels, particularly for emerging and developing economies with specific developmental needs.

The document supports a technology-neutral approach that includes renewables, nuclear energy, hydropower, hydrogen, fossil fuels, and low-carbon technologies. This balanced stance reflects the diverse energy profiles and priorities of BRICS members.

BRICS commits to enhancing cooperation in energy research, innovation, and infrastructure development, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) security

BRICS commits to maintaining a secure and peaceful ICT environment. The declaration calls for a balanced approach that integrates technological innovation, business growth, state security, and individual privacy rights.

The group supports the United Nations’ leading role in fostering dialogue and establishing universally agreed norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

BRICS welcomes the work of UN bodies such as the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) and the Group of Government Experts (GGE) on cybersecurity and commits to advancing practical intra-BRICS cooperation in ICT security.

The declaration also reiterates the exclusive authority of the UN Security Council to impose sanctions, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

BRICS calls for strengthening the working methods of UN Security Council Sanctions Committees to improve their effectiveness, responsiveness, and transparency.

The group condemns unilateral coercive measures not based on international law and stresses the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes.

Unwavering condemnation of terrorism and commitment to peace

The declaration opens with a firm condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of perpetrators, motives, or affiliations. It explicitly rejects any association of terrorism with religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group, reinforcing a universal approach to counterterrorism.

BRICS has outlined a strategy focused on prevention, disrupting financing and logistics, and eliminating safe havens. It emphasises better intelligence sharing, building capacity, and strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

A significant focus is placed on the primacy of international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, in guiding counterterrorism efforts. The declaration urges the expeditious finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework and advocates launching multilateral negotiations on chemical and biological terrorism conventions.

The group also stresses the importance of addressing root causes of terrorism, including social and economic marginalisation, and supports inclusive dialogue and conflict resolution to strengthen lasting peace.

What are the broader implications?

The New Delhi Declaration 2026 shows BRICS’ goal to work together on global challenges instead of arguing. It highlights the connection between economic growth, security, governance, and social inclusion.

India is increasingly influential in BRICS and globally, leading efforts for consensus and reform. The declaration emphasises multilateralism and governance reform, supporting the push for a more inclusive international order.

BRICS takes a balanced approach to energy, trade, and security, recognising the varied interests and development levels of its member countries, which enhances its role as a significant player in global affairs.