New Delhi, September 12 (TNA) Leaders of the BRICS countries have adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th BRICS Summit, committing to deeper cooperation on global governance, peace and security, economic development, health, technology, climate action and people-to-people exchanges.
The declaration, titled “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” was issued in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. The summit is being held from September 12 to 13 under India’s BRICS Chairship. The leaders said the grouping’s cooperation would continue to be guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.
The declaration marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS and outlines the grouping’s priorities under three broad pillars—political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Focus on multipolar world order
BRICS leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and multipolarity and called for a more representative, fair, democratic, accountable and effective international system. They emphasised the central role of the United Nations and said international relations should continue to be guided by the UN Charter and international law.
The leaders stressed the need for greater representation of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) and least developed countries in global decision-making bodies. They also called for equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, including at senior and decision-making levels.
The declaration highlighted the underrepresentation of women in global leadership and noted that no woman has so far been elected as UN Secretary-General. It called for transparent and inclusive selection processes for senior positions in the UN system.
BRICS leaders also reaffirmed support for comprehensive reform of the UN, including the Security Council. China and Russia reiterated their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN and its Security Council.
Global South priorities
The declaration described the Global South as an important driver of positive change amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological transformation, protectionist measures, migration challenges and climate change.
BRICS countries said they would continue to voice the concerns and priorities of developing nations and promote a more inclusive, sustainable, representative and stable international order. The leaders also condemned racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, religious discrimination, hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. They welcomed the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
Call for economic and financial reforms
BRICS leaders called for reforms in global economic governance and urged changes to the Bretton Woods institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. They said the governance structures of these institutions should reflect the changing weight of emerging and developing economies in the global economy. The declaration called for greater voting shares and representation for EMDCs and a merit-based, inclusive and transparent selection process for the leadership of the IMF and World Bank.
The leaders also reaffirmed the need for IMF quota and governance reforms, including meaningful quota realignment under the 17th General Review of Quotas. They said the reform process should protect the interests of the poorest countries and should not reduce the access of vulnerable nations to financial resources.
BRICS countries further supported World Bank shareholding reforms aimed at correcting the historic underrepresentation of developing countries.
Opposition to unilateral sanctions and protectionism
The declaration expressed concern over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that, according to the leaders, distort trade, disrupt supply chains and increase uncertainty in global economic activity.
BRICS leaders reaffirmed their support for a rules-based, open, transparent, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core. They called for the restoration of a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement mechanism and the appointment of new Appellate Body members.
The grouping also expressed support for Ethiopia and Iran’s bids to join the WTO and acknowledged China’s expansion of zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
The leaders condemned unilateral coercive measures, including economic and secondary sanctions, which they said adversely affect development, health, food security and vulnerable populations.
Concern over conflicts in West Asia, Gaza and Sudan
On international peace and security, BRICS leaders called for dialogue, diplomacy, preventive action and peaceful resolution of disputes. They expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and rising global military spending. The declaration voiced deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia and called for maximum restraint. It urged the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and called for efforts towards long-term peace and stability in the region.
On Gaza, the leaders called for the maintenance of a ceasefire and full, unhindered humanitarian access. They opposed forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The declaration also condemned attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and other civilian infrastructure, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
BRICS leaders welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They also condemned attacks on UNIFIL personnel and facilities and called for the safety and freedom of movement of UN peacekeepers.
On Sudan, they called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, peaceful resolution through dialogue and sustained humanitarian access. They reiterated that the principle of an “African solution to African problems” should guide efforts to resolve the conflict.
Terrorism and cross-border crime
The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and rejected linking terrorism with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. BRICS leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed and several others injured. They reaffirmed their commitment to combating cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and safe havens.
The leaders called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework and supported deeper cooperation through the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group.
They also expressed concern over illicit financial flows, money laundering, cyber-enabled fraud, illegal virtual asset flows, trafficking in persons and organised crime.
The declaration called for greater cooperation among law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, customs authorities, tax authorities, technology platforms and telecommunications providers to dismantle cross-border scam networks and recover criminal proceeds.
Health cooperation and healthy lifestyle mission
The declaration placed a strong focus on global health security and universal health coverage. BRICS leaders called for continued cooperation in disease surveillance, early warning systems, vaccine research, medical products regulation and digital healthcare.
They identified tuberculosis as a critical global public health challenge and called for sustained investment in research, technology sharing and cross-border cooperation. The leaders welcomed the creation of a dedicated sub-working group to advance the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for the prevention and response to mass infectious diseases.
They also endorsed the launch of the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and the BRICS Roadmap for the Joint Initiative on Healthy Lifestyle Promotion for 2026–2029.
The declaration supported the establishment of a BRICS Training Hub Network and a Network of Centres of Excellence on mental health, with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) as the coordinating centre.
Food security and agriculture
BRICS leaders stressed the grouping’s role in global food production and called for cooperation to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and food security. They acknowledged the importance of developing a BRICS Grain Exchange and called for further discussions on its functioning and possible expansion to other agricultural products and commodities. The declaration also supported stronger food reserves, climate-adaptive seed systems, resilient supply chains and greater intra-BRICS trade in agricultural products and inputs.
Leaders welcomed the creation of BRICS AGRIN, a farmer-centric network covering agro-inputs, genetic resources and information. They also backed a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems and networks of centres of excellence on agroecology, regenerative agriculture and digital agriculture.
Energy, technology and artificial intelligence
The declaration recognised energy security as essential for economic development, national security and public welfare. BRICS countries called for stable energy markets, diversified energy sources, resilient supply chains and protection of critical energy infrastructure.
The leaders acknowledged that fossil fuels would continue to play an important role in the energy mix of emerging markets and developing economies, while also supporting fair, orderly and inclusive energy transitions.
They welcomed guiding principles on smart grids and energy storage and supported cooperation on hydrogen value chains, renewable energy, nuclear energy, hydropower, bioenergy and low-carbon technologies.
On artificial intelligence, the leaders said international cooperation was necessary to ensure safe, secure, inclusive, reliable and trustworthy AI. They backed wider access to AI resources, AI research and innovation, energy-efficient AI systems and the use of AI for economic growth and social good. The declaration also called for cooperation against cybercrime, deepfakes, malicious software, data breaches, hate speech, disinformation and misinformation.
Support for startups, MSMEs and digital payments
BRICS leaders welcomed the establishment of a BRICS Incubator Network and further consideration of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. They backed cooperation among startups, small businesses and MSMEs and welcomed initiatives to improve access to finance, technology and global value chains. The declaration also supported the development of an invoice discounting mechanism to help MSMEs unlock working capital and expand their participation in international trade.
On financial cooperation, the BRICS Payment Task Force was asked to continue work on efficient, low-cost, accessible and secure cross-border payment mechanisms. Leaders noted discussions on interoperability of payment and messaging systems and the use of local currencies for trade settlements and investment, while acknowledging that there was no single model suitable for all countries.
Climate action and disaster resilience
BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. They called for stronger action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance for developing countries. They expressed concern that developing countries face a disproportionate burden from climate change, along with major gaps in funding for adaptation.
The declaration welcomed BRICS guidelines on disaster-management early-warning data integration and voluntary principles for climate-resilient urban infrastructure. It also highlighted the importance of anticipatory action, risk-informed planning, community-based adaptation and the use of traditional and local knowledge.
BRICS countries supported cooperation on carbon markets, climate research and people-centred adaptation. They also called for greater support from developed countries in the form of finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
Transport and urban development
The declaration welcomed the outcomes of the BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting held in Nagpur and called for deeper cooperation on transport policy, investment, technology and capacity building. The leaders supported sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuels, low-carbon aviation fuels and transport decarbonisation.
They also welcomed the establishment of a BRICS Urban Mobility Hub for cooperation on accessible, affordable, inclusive and smart urban transport solutions, along with a BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework. The declaration welcomed the BRICS Urbanisation Forum held in New Delhi and the creation of a BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network to support resilient, sustainable and liveable cities.
People-to-people and cultural cooperation
BRICS leaders reaffirmed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They welcomed engagements involving parliamentarians, tourism ministers, businesses, women’s organisations, youth groups, academic institutions and civil society.
The declaration supported cooperation in education, skill development, digital literacy, research, scholarships and academic mobility. Leaders welcomed the adoption of BRICS CONNECT, a network focused on capacity building, employability, new skills and technologies.
They also noted an initiative to establish an International Digital Platform for Remote Employment for BRICS countries. In the cultural sphere, leaders welcomed the Bhopal Declaration, BRICS Culture Festival, WAVES Bazaar, BRICS Theatre Festival and BRICS Film Festival. They called for protection, restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage and encouraged cooperation among museums, archives and libraries.
China to host BRICS Summit in 2027
The declaration commended India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 and expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for hosting the summit in New Delhi. BRICS leaders extended full support to China for its BRICS Chairship in 2027 and for hosting the 19th BRICS Summit.
The declaration, titled “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” was issued in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. The summit is being held from September 12 to 13 under India’s BRICS Chairship. The leaders said the grouping’s cooperation would continue to be guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.
The declaration marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS and outlines the grouping’s priorities under three broad pillars—political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Focus on multipolar world order
BRICS leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and multipolarity and called for a more representative, fair, democratic, accountable and effective international system. They emphasised the central role of the United Nations and said international relations should continue to be guided by the UN Charter and international law.
The leaders stressed the need for greater representation of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) and least developed countries in global decision-making bodies. They also called for equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, including at senior and decision-making levels.
The declaration highlighted the underrepresentation of women in global leadership and noted that no woman has so far been elected as UN Secretary-General. It called for transparent and inclusive selection processes for senior positions in the UN system.
BRICS leaders also reaffirmed support for comprehensive reform of the UN, including the Security Council. China and Russia reiterated their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN and its Security Council.
Global South priorities
The declaration described the Global South as an important driver of positive change amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological transformation, protectionist measures, migration challenges and climate change.
BRICS countries said they would continue to voice the concerns and priorities of developing nations and promote a more inclusive, sustainable, representative and stable international order. The leaders also condemned racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, religious discrimination, hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. They welcomed the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
Call for economic and financial reforms
BRICS leaders called for reforms in global economic governance and urged changes to the Bretton Woods institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. They said the governance structures of these institutions should reflect the changing weight of emerging and developing economies in the global economy. The declaration called for greater voting shares and representation for EMDCs and a merit-based, inclusive and transparent selection process for the leadership of the IMF and World Bank.
The leaders also reaffirmed the need for IMF quota and governance reforms, including meaningful quota realignment under the 17th General Review of Quotas. They said the reform process should protect the interests of the poorest countries and should not reduce the access of vulnerable nations to financial resources.
BRICS countries further supported World Bank shareholding reforms aimed at correcting the historic underrepresentation of developing countries.
Opposition to unilateral sanctions and protectionism
The declaration expressed concern over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that, according to the leaders, distort trade, disrupt supply chains and increase uncertainty in global economic activity.
BRICS leaders reaffirmed their support for a rules-based, open, transparent, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core. They called for the restoration of a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement mechanism and the appointment of new Appellate Body members.
The grouping also expressed support for Ethiopia and Iran’s bids to join the WTO and acknowledged China’s expansion of zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
The leaders condemned unilateral coercive measures, including economic and secondary sanctions, which they said adversely affect development, health, food security and vulnerable populations.
Concern over conflicts in West Asia, Gaza and Sudan
On international peace and security, BRICS leaders called for dialogue, diplomacy, preventive action and peaceful resolution of disputes. They expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and rising global military spending. The declaration voiced deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia and called for maximum restraint. It urged the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and called for efforts towards long-term peace and stability in the region.
On Gaza, the leaders called for the maintenance of a ceasefire and full, unhindered humanitarian access. They opposed forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The declaration also condemned attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and other civilian infrastructure, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
BRICS leaders welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They also condemned attacks on UNIFIL personnel and facilities and called for the safety and freedom of movement of UN peacekeepers.
On Sudan, they called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, peaceful resolution through dialogue and sustained humanitarian access. They reiterated that the principle of an “African solution to African problems” should guide efforts to resolve the conflict.
Terrorism and cross-border crime
The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and rejected linking terrorism with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. BRICS leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed and several others injured. They reaffirmed their commitment to combating cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and safe havens.
The leaders called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework and supported deeper cooperation through the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group.
They also expressed concern over illicit financial flows, money laundering, cyber-enabled fraud, illegal virtual asset flows, trafficking in persons and organised crime.
The declaration called for greater cooperation among law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, customs authorities, tax authorities, technology platforms and telecommunications providers to dismantle cross-border scam networks and recover criminal proceeds.
Health cooperation and healthy lifestyle mission
The declaration placed a strong focus on global health security and universal health coverage. BRICS leaders called for continued cooperation in disease surveillance, early warning systems, vaccine research, medical products regulation and digital healthcare.
They identified tuberculosis as a critical global public health challenge and called for sustained investment in research, technology sharing and cross-border cooperation. The leaders welcomed the creation of a dedicated sub-working group to advance the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for the prevention and response to mass infectious diseases.
They also endorsed the launch of the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and the BRICS Roadmap for the Joint Initiative on Healthy Lifestyle Promotion for 2026–2029.
The declaration supported the establishment of a BRICS Training Hub Network and a Network of Centres of Excellence on mental health, with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) as the coordinating centre.
Food security and agriculture
BRICS leaders stressed the grouping’s role in global food production and called for cooperation to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and food security. They acknowledged the importance of developing a BRICS Grain Exchange and called for further discussions on its functioning and possible expansion to other agricultural products and commodities. The declaration also supported stronger food reserves, climate-adaptive seed systems, resilient supply chains and greater intra-BRICS trade in agricultural products and inputs.
Leaders welcomed the creation of BRICS AGRIN, a farmer-centric network covering agro-inputs, genetic resources and information. They also backed a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems and networks of centres of excellence on agroecology, regenerative agriculture and digital agriculture.
Energy, technology and artificial intelligence
The declaration recognised energy security as essential for economic development, national security and public welfare. BRICS countries called for stable energy markets, diversified energy sources, resilient supply chains and protection of critical energy infrastructure.
The leaders acknowledged that fossil fuels would continue to play an important role in the energy mix of emerging markets and developing economies, while also supporting fair, orderly and inclusive energy transitions.
They welcomed guiding principles on smart grids and energy storage and supported cooperation on hydrogen value chains, renewable energy, nuclear energy, hydropower, bioenergy and low-carbon technologies.
On artificial intelligence, the leaders said international cooperation was necessary to ensure safe, secure, inclusive, reliable and trustworthy AI. They backed wider access to AI resources, AI research and innovation, energy-efficient AI systems and the use of AI for economic growth and social good. The declaration also called for cooperation against cybercrime, deepfakes, malicious software, data breaches, hate speech, disinformation and misinformation.
Support for startups, MSMEs and digital payments
BRICS leaders welcomed the establishment of a BRICS Incubator Network and further consideration of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. They backed cooperation among startups, small businesses and MSMEs and welcomed initiatives to improve access to finance, technology and global value chains. The declaration also supported the development of an invoice discounting mechanism to help MSMEs unlock working capital and expand their participation in international trade.
On financial cooperation, the BRICS Payment Task Force was asked to continue work on efficient, low-cost, accessible and secure cross-border payment mechanisms. Leaders noted discussions on interoperability of payment and messaging systems and the use of local currencies for trade settlements and investment, while acknowledging that there was no single model suitable for all countries.
Climate action and disaster resilience
BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. They called for stronger action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance for developing countries. They expressed concern that developing countries face a disproportionate burden from climate change, along with major gaps in funding for adaptation.
The declaration welcomed BRICS guidelines on disaster-management early-warning data integration and voluntary principles for climate-resilient urban infrastructure. It also highlighted the importance of anticipatory action, risk-informed planning, community-based adaptation and the use of traditional and local knowledge.
BRICS countries supported cooperation on carbon markets, climate research and people-centred adaptation. They also called for greater support from developed countries in the form of finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
Transport and urban development
The declaration welcomed the outcomes of the BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting held in Nagpur and called for deeper cooperation on transport policy, investment, technology and capacity building. The leaders supported sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuels, low-carbon aviation fuels and transport decarbonisation.
They also welcomed the establishment of a BRICS Urban Mobility Hub for cooperation on accessible, affordable, inclusive and smart urban transport solutions, along with a BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework. The declaration welcomed the BRICS Urbanisation Forum held in New Delhi and the creation of a BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network to support resilient, sustainable and liveable cities.
People-to-people and cultural cooperation
BRICS leaders reaffirmed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They welcomed engagements involving parliamentarians, tourism ministers, businesses, women’s organisations, youth groups, academic institutions and civil society.
The declaration supported cooperation in education, skill development, digital literacy, research, scholarships and academic mobility. Leaders welcomed the adoption of BRICS CONNECT, a network focused on capacity building, employability, new skills and technologies.
They also noted an initiative to establish an International Digital Platform for Remote Employment for BRICS countries. In the cultural sphere, leaders welcomed the Bhopal Declaration, BRICS Culture Festival, WAVES Bazaar, BRICS Theatre Festival and BRICS Film Festival. They called for protection, restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage and encouraged cooperation among museums, archives and libraries.
China to host BRICS Summit in 2027
The declaration commended India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 and expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for hosting the summit in New Delhi. BRICS leaders extended full support to China for its BRICS Chairship in 2027 and for hosting the 19th BRICS Summit.