BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026- Key Highlights and Significance

The declaration gives significant attention to economic and technological development, including cross-border payments, local currencies, MSME finance, critical minerals, energy security, startups, innovation, science, technology and artificial intelligence. Explore the BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026, including key highlights on global governance, trade, sanctions, terrorism, energy, climate, finance and the Global South.

Why in the News?

Explore the BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026, including key highlights on global governance, trade, sanctions, terrorism, energy, climate, finance and the Global South.

• The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.
• Leaders adopted the BRICS New Delhi Declaration under the theme:
  • “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• The declaration covers cooperation in global governance, security, economy, health, agriculture, energy, technology, climate and people-to-people relations.

India’s BRICS Chairship

• India hosted 400+ meetings and engagements across 30 cities.
• These involved:
  • Ministers
  • Parliamentarians
  • Officials
  • Experts
  • Businesses
  • Civil society and people
• The focus was on practical, inclusive and development-oriented cooperation.

1. Global Governance & Multilateralism

• BRICS called for a more representative, fair and accountable international order.
• It reaffirmed support for:
  • Multilateralism
  • Multipolarity
  • International law
  • UN Charter
• Greater representation of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was emphasised.

UN Security Council Reform

• BRICS supported comprehensive reform of the UN, including the Security Council.
• Objective → Increase representation of developing countries, particularly from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• China and Russia reiterated support for Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including the Security Council.

Bretton Woods Institutions

• BRICS called for reforms in the IMF and World Bank.
• Key demands:
  • Greater voice and voting power for EMDCs.
  • More representative governance.
  • Transparent and merit-based leadership selection.
  • IMF quota reforms reflecting the changing global economy.

2. WTO and Global Trade

• BRICS reaffirmed support for a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
• It called for:
  • WTO reform.
  • Restoration of a fully functioning two-tier dispute settlement mechanism.
  • Appointment of new Appellate Body members.
• BRICS opposed rising tariffs, non-tariff barriers and protectionism that disrupt global trade and supply chains.

Important Point

• BRICS also opposed unilateral economic sanctions that are contrary to international law and the UN Charter.

3. International Peace & Security

• BRICS called for resolving international disputes through:
  • Dialogue
  • Consultation
  • Diplomacy
  • Preventive diplomacy
  • Mediation
• It expressed concern over:
  • Global conflicts
  • Geopolitical polarisation
  • Rising military expenditure
  • Nuclear risks.

West Asia

• BRICS expressed concern over escalating tensions in West Asia.
• Called for:
  • Maximum restraint.
  • Protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
  • Peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.
  • Uninterrupted flow of trade, energy and supply chains.

Gaza

• Called for:
  • Maintenance of the ceasefire.
  • Unhindered humanitarian assistance.
  • Protection of Palestinian rights.
  • Rejection of forced displacement.
• Reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Other Conflicts

• Lebanon: Respect for ceasefire and UNSC Resolution 1701; protection of UNIFIL.
• Sudan: Immediate permanent ceasefire and an “African solution to African problems.”
• Syria: Support for a peaceful, inclusive and UN-facilitated political transition.

4. Counter-Terrorism

• BRICS strongly condemned terrorism in all forms.
• The declaration specifically condemned the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.
• It called for:
  • Zero tolerance for terrorism
  • Action against terrorist financing.
  • Action against safe havens.
  • Prevention of cross-border movement of terrorists.
  • Rejection of double standards in counter-terrorism.

Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism

• BRICS called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) under the UN framework.

5. Cybersecurity and Digital Cooperation

• BRICS recognised ICTs and digital technologies as major drivers of economic and social development.
• Cooperation will focus on:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data security
  • Cybercrime
  • Responsible use of ICTs
  • Information sharing
• BRICS encouraged countries to sign and ratify the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

Emerging Digital Threats

• Particular concern was expressed over:
  • Deepfakes
  • Disinformation
  • Misinformation
  • Hate speech
  • Malicious software
  • Cybercrime

6. Space Cooperation

• BRICS welcomed progress under the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC).
• Focus areas include:
  • Peaceful use of outer space.
  • Reducing differences in space capabilities.
  • Space-debris mitigation.
• Progress was also noted towards:
  • Expanding the RSSC.
  • Establishing a BRICS Space Council.

Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space

• BRICS supported PAROS Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space.
• It opposed:
  • Weaponisation of outer space.
  • Threats or use of force against space objects.

7. Health Cooperation

• BRICS reaffirmed cooperation towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Key priorities:
  • Disease surveillance.
  • Early-warning systems.
  • Health emergency preparedness.
  • Affordable medicines and vaccines.
  • Digital health.
  • Health workforce development.

Major Initiatives

• BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for mass infectious diseases.
• BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle.
• BRICS Roadmap for Healthy Lifestyle Promotion (2026–2029).
• BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Health.
• NIMHANS is designated as the coordinating Centre of Excellence.

Traditional Medicine

• Proposed BRICS Expert Working Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
• Focus → research, safety, quality and evidence-based use of traditional medicine.

8. Agriculture & Food Security

• BRICS highlighted its major role in global food production.
• Key concerns:
  • Food insecurity.
  • Fertiliser shortages.
  • Food-price volatility.
  • Supply-chain disruptions.

BRICS Grain Exchange

• BRICS continued discussions on establishing a BRICS Grain Exchange.
• It could potentially expand beyond grains to other agricultural commodities.

BRICS AGRIN

• BRICS AGRIN → Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network.
• It is a collaborative, non-binding and farmer-centric initiative.
• A Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems was also launched.

9. Energy Security

• BRICS recognised energy security as essential for:
  • Economic development.
  • National security.
  • Social welfare.
• Emphasis on:
  • Diversified energy sources.
  • Stable energy markets.
  • Resilient energy infrastructure.
  • Secure supply chains.

Energy Transition

• BRICS supported just, orderly and inclusive energy transitions.
• It recognised the continuing role of fossil fuels, particularly for developing economies.
• Cooperation will cover:
  • Renewable energy
  • Nuclear energy
  • Hydrogen
  • Bioenergy
  • Hydropower
  • Energy storage
  • Low-carbon technologies.

Smart Grids

• BRICS adopted Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
• India proposed a BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.

10. Critical Minerals

• BRICS stressed the need for reliable, diversified and resilient critical-mineral supply chains.
• Objectives:
  • Secure supplies for clean-energy technologies.
  • Promote value addition.
  • Support economic diversification.
  • Ensure fair benefit sharing.
  • Respect the sovereign rights of resource-rich countries.

11. Industry, Start-ups & Innovation

• Cooperation will focus on Industry 4.0, technology and innovation.
• BRICS welcomed:
  • BRICS Incubator Network
  • BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub
  • BRICS Startup Forum
  • Proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund.

MSMEs

• The BRICS SME Forum was held in Agra.
• Focus → improving MSME access to:
  • Finance
  • Technology
  • Markets
  • Global Value Chains (GVCs).

12. Science, Technology & AI

• BRICS recognised Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as key drivers of sustainable development.
• Cooperation includes:
  • Quantum technologies.
  • Research infrastructure.
  • Joint scientific research.
  • Knowledge sharing.

AI

• BRICS supported international cooperation for:
  • Safe and trustworthy AI
  • Inclusive access to AI resources.
  • AI for economic growth and social welfare.
  • Energy-efficient AI.
  • Addressing AI-related risks.

Digital Public Infrastructure

• BRICS recognised DPI and Digital Public Goods as tools for:
  • Social inclusion.
  • Large-scale service delivery.
  • Digital transformation.
  • Economic opportunities.
• Proposal → BRICS Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and pilot projects.

13. Climate Change & Disaster Resilience

• BRICS stressed the need for stronger climate and disaster resilience, particularly in developing countries.
• Priorities:
  • Early-warning systems.
  • Risk-informed planning.
  • Climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Anticipatory action.
  • Greater climate finance.

CDRI

• The declaration recognised the role of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in promoting resilient infrastructure through:
  • Technical assistance.
  • Knowledge exchange.
  • Policy support.
  • Financing approaches.

14. Climate Finance

• BRICS highlighted the disproportionate climate burden faced by EMDEs.
• It called for:
  • Greater adaptation finance.
  • Technology transfer.
  • Capacity building.
  • Accessible and predictable climate finance.
• BRICS supported cooperation on carbon markets and people-centric climate adaptation.

15. New Development Bank (NDB)

• BRICS reaffirmed the importance of the New Development Bank for:
  • Infrastructure development.
  • Sustainable development.
  • Reducing inequality.
  • Supporting emerging economies.
• The NDB is encouraged to:
  • Mobilise more resources.
  • Expand local-currency financing.
  • Diversify funding sources.
  • Expand membership.

BRICS–NDB Knowledge Portal

• India launched the BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal.
• It brings together:
  • Development experiences.
  • Best practices.
  • Policy innovations.
  • Lessons from NDB-funded projects.

16. BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement

• CRA functions as a BRICS financial safety net.
• Members supported amendments to improve its:
  • Flexibility
  • Responsiveness during crises.
• New BRICS members may join the CRA on a voluntary basis.

17. Cross-Border Payments

• BRICS is exploring more efficient cross-border payment mechanisms.
• Discussions include:
  • Interoperability of payment systems.
  • Trade settlement in local currencies.
  • Faster and cheaper cross-border payments.
• However, the declaration recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

18. MSME Finance

• Affordable finance remains a major obstacle to MSME internationalisation.
• BRICS adopted guiding principles for credit assessment of export-oriented MSMEs.
• The Jaipur Consensus proposes studying an Invoice Discounting Mechanism to help MSMEs unlock working capital.

19. People-to-People Cooperation

• BRICS emphasised greater interaction through:
  • Education
  • Culture
  • Tourism
  • Youth
    • Sports
  • Business
  • Academic exchanges.

Women

• BRICS promoted women-led development.
• Focus areas:
  • Financial and digital inclusion.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Skill development.
  • Participation in governance and climate action.

Education & Skills

• Strengthening:
  • TVET
  • Digital literacy.
  • Academic mobility.
  • STEM education.
  • Industry–education linkages.
• BRICS Network University remains an important cooperation mechanism.

Labour

• BRICS adopted BRICS CONNECT for cooperation on:
  • Capacity building.
  • Employability.
  • New skills and technologies.
• Focus also includes social protection for gig and platform workers and portability of benefits for migrant workers.

20. Culture, Tourism & Sports

• BRICS supported protection and repatriation of cultural heritage and antiquities.
• Cultural cooperation includes:
  • BRICS Culture Festival
  • Theatre and Film Festivals
  • Creative industries
  • Traditional knowledge.

Tourism

• Focus on:
  • Sustainable tourism
  • Ecotourism
  • Digital tourism
  • Community-led tourism
  • AI-enabled tourism systems.

Sports

• BRICS Games promote:
  • High-performance sports.
  • Traditional and indigenous sports.
  • Youth participation.
• India proposed cooperation in sports-goods manufacturing and sports technology.

Key Initiatives to Remember

Conclusion

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026 reflects India’s priorities as BRICS Chair and focuses on strengthening multilateralism, Global South cooperation and a more representative global governance system. It supports reform of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council, and calls for greater representation of developing countries in the Bretton Woods institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. The declaration also supports a fair, open and rules-based global trading system through the WTO. On international peace and security, it addresses conflicts in West Asia, including the Gaza crisis, along with other global conflicts. It stresses dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and stronger international cooperation against terrorism. Cybersecurity, digital cooperation and emerging digital threats are also important areas of cooperation.

The declaration gives significant attention to economic and technological development, including cross-border payments, local currencies, MSME finance, critical minerals, energy security, startups, innovation, science, technology and artificial intelligence. It also promotes cooperation in space, health, agriculture and food security. Climate change, disaster resilience and greater access to climate finance are key development priorities. The New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement strengthen BRICS financial cooperation. Finally, the declaration promotes people-to-people exchanges through culture, education, tourism and sports, strengthening broader ties among BRICS countries.