BRICS member countries have adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the ongoing BRICS summit in Delhi. The announcement was made by summit chair and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notably, member states set aside their differences to reach this agreement, with Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia all endorsing the declaration. This is significant given the known tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates stemming from the conflict in West Asia. That all member states were nonetheless brought onto common ground is being seen as a reflection of India’s diplomatic skill.
At the summit, BRICS countries expressed concern over the imposition of unilateral tariffs in violation of World Trade Organization rules. All member states jointly condemned unilateral coercive measures that run counter to international law. They declared their commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomatic channels. The BRICS grouping also discussed steps needed to address the threat of nuclear weapons and conflicts around the world. The summit reaffirmed the need for cooperation in addressing international challenges, with member states expressing their commitment to global peace and stability. The summit strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and resolved that terrorism must be countered regardless of the form it takes. BRICS leaders condemned last year’s Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Having condemned cross-border terrorism and terrorist acts, the leaders called for those who support terrorism to never be spared under any circumstances.
At the summit, all member states unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration. Member countries also reached clear consensus on the West Asia crisis, which has caused significant international turmoil. BRICS expressed deep concern over the war in West Asia, with the summit making clear that war is not the solution to any problem. Member states agreed that sustained dialogue and diplomatic channels remain the only path to establishing peace.
Key highlights of the New Delhi Declaration
1. The declaration made clear that war is not the solution to the West Asia crisis or to any other international problem, and that peace can only be achieved through diplomatic channels and dialogue. The summit resolved to condemn unilateral acts of war.
2. Member states demanded necessary reforms to the United Nations Security Council to reflect changing, present-day global realities.
3. Under India’s leadership, the summit resolved that human development would remain the top priority, with people’s welfare as the central goal going forward.
4. Consensus emerged at the summit on economic matters including strengthening global supply chains, food and energy security, and promoting trade through local currencies.
Summit chair and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BRICS summit, describing it as a pivotal milestone in the BRICS journey. He noted that with BRICS marking two decades since its formation, the grouping bears a responsibility to instill confidence and reassurance among the peoples of member countries worldwide.
Prime Minister Modi called on BRICS nations to lead the way in addressing the various problems and challenges confronting international forums through concrete action. While expressing the wish for BRICS to develop at a faster pace, the Indian prime minister emphasized that human development must be given the highest priority at every step taken. Modi said that the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration made clear that BRICS stands united on the international stage and is taking strong strides toward global peace and development.