The BRICS New Delhi Declaration is a joint political statement reflecting the priorities and positions of BRICS member countries at the 2026 summit in New Delhi.
1. What is BRICS trying to achieve?
At the heart of the declaration is a push for a more representative and balanced global order.
BRICS is calling for:
- Stronger multilateralism
- Greater representation for developing and emerging economies
- Reform of international institutions
- A greater voice for developing countries in global decision-making
The declaration specifically supports reforms of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council. China and Russia also reiterated support for Brazil and India playing a greater role in the UN system, including the Security Council.
2. What did BRICS say about global conflicts?
The declaration calls for restraint, dialogue and diplomacy, particularly amid the escalation in West Asia.
BRICS called for:
- Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure
- Dialogue to achieve lasting peace
- Maintaining global trade and supply chains
- Protecting energy flows
On Gaza, BRICS called for adherence to the ceasefire, humanitarian access, an end to forced displacement, a two-state solution and Palestine’s full UN membership.
3. What did BRICS say about terrorism?
The declaration strongly condemns terrorism in all forms.
Importantly for India, BRICS specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 people.
It also called for stronger action against:
- Cross-border terrorism
- Terror financing
- Terrorist safe havens
- Extremism and radicalisation
- Organised crime
- Money laundering
- Cross-border fraud networks
4. What about trade and payments?
Economic cooperation is another major part of the declaration.
BRICS wants to make cross-border payments:
- Faster
- Cheaper
- More accessible
- More transparent
- More secure
The grouping is also advancing the BRICS Economic Partnership 2030 and supporting greater use of local currencies for trade and investment.
5. Why is technology and AI mentioned?
BRICS sees technology and artificial intelligence as important tools for economic growth and development.
The declaration supports cooperation on safe, secure, inclusive and trustworthy AI, along with digital public infrastructure, agriculture, food security, energy systems and critical-mineral supply chains.
6. What is India’s main message?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the summit to argue that the Global South should move from being a “rule taker” to a “rule shaper.”
He proposed developing 10 proposals for global governance reform, which could eventually become a BRICS Reform Roadmap. He also argued that representation and decision-making in international institutions should better reflect today’s economic realities.
7. What does this mean for India?
For India, the declaration is significant because it reinforces several long-standing priorities:
India wants:
- Greater representation in global institutions
- UN Security Council reform
- A stronger voice for developing countries
- More cooperation with emerging economies
- Greater economic and technological cooperation
- Action against terrorism
At the same time, India is presenting BRICS as a platform that is not directed against any single country or bloc, while seeking a larger role for the Global South in shaping international rules.
Bottom line
The 2026 New Delhi Declaration is essentially about three big ideas:
🌍 Global governance: Give developing countries greater representation.
🕊️ Global conflicts: Promote diplomacy, restraint, civilian protection and peaceful resolution.
💰 Economic cooperation: Strengthen trade, payments, local currencies, technology, energy and supply-chain cooperation.
So, rather than being a single economic or defence agreement, the declaration is a broad political and strategic framework setting out what BRICS members want to pursue collectively.