The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi produced one of the grouping's most wide-ranging declarations in recent years, covering trade, terrorism, geopolitical conflicts, artificial intelligence, financial cooperation, global governance and development.
The New Delhi Declaration, adopted during the September 12–13 summit, contains 140 paragraphs and reflects India's effort to build consensus among an expanded group of emerging and developing economies. The declaration comes at a time of heightened trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and conflict in West Asia, making its positions particularly significant for the Global South.
For India, the declaration is also important because several initiatives promoted during its 2026 BRICS chairship have found space in the final document. These include cooperation on digital public infrastructure, mental health, industrial technology, development finance and artificial intelligence.
At the same time, the grouping adopted strong language against terrorism and specifically condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. The declaration also criticised unilateral trade restrictions while stopping short of announcing a collective retaliatory mechanism.
Here are the major takeaways from the BRICS 2026 New Delhi Declaration and what they could mean for global trade, security and the Global South.
One of the most significant economic messages from the declaration concerns tariffs and other unilateral trade measures. BRICS members expressed opposition to unilateral coercive measures that they said are inconsistent with international law, the UN Charter and multilateral trade principles.
The declaration was adopted against a backdrop of rising tariff tensions and growing protectionism in international trade. Rather than identifying one country by name, BRICS framed the issue around the broader impact of unilateral protectionist policies on its diverse membership.
The grouping stressed the importance of creating a fair, stable and predictable trading environment that supports mutually beneficial and sustainable development. It also highlighted concerns about unilateral trade measures that are inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules.
The declaration also addresses climate-related trade policies. BRICS opposed carbon border adjustment mechanisms when they are applied in a unilateral, punitive, discriminatory or protectionist manner.
This is important because carbon-related trade rules are increasingly becoming part of global economic policy. Developing economies have raised concerns that environmental requirements imposed through trade could become additional barriers to their exports.
However, the BRICS declaration does not establish a common retaliatory tariff system. Its approach is primarily focused on defending multilateral trade principles and opposing unilateral restrictions.
Terrorism is another major area where India achieved a significant diplomatic outcome. The declaration strongly reaffirmed the BRICS commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
More importantly for India, the document specifically condemned in the strongest terms the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed and others were injured.
The declaration also addressed several issues that India has consistently highlighted in international forums, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens.
BRICS members reiterated a position of zero tolerance towards terrorism and rejected double standards in counter-terrorism efforts. The declaration also made clear that terrorism should not be associated with any particular religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.
The document called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and recognised the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, which coordinates counter-terrorism cooperation among member countries.
Another concern identified in the declaration is the spread of extremism and radicalisation among younger generations. This expands the counter-terrorism discussion beyond attacks themselves to prevention, financing, recruitment and radicalisation.
For India, the explicit reference to Pahalgam is particularly significant because BRICS works through consensus and includes countries with different positions on terrorism-related issues.
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Perhaps the most difficult diplomatic issue facing the summit was the conflict and escalating tensions in West Asia. The presence of countries with differing positions and interests made consensus challenging.
Nevertheless, BRICS adopted a common position calling for maximum restraint and urging countries to resolve disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy. Reuters reported that the declaration was adopted unanimously despite the difficult geopolitical circumstances.
The declaration expressed deep concern over escalating tensions and opposed actions that could further worsen the situation. It also stressed the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure and maintaining uninterrupted trade, supply chains and energy flows.
The declaration devoted considerable attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
BRICS called for maintaining the Gaza ceasefire and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. It opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians and condemned violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
The declaration also reaffirmed support for UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees.
BRICS reiterated support for a two-state solution, including a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The declaration also addressed the Lebanon and Syria situations, calling for adherence to the Lebanon ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from remaining Lebanese territory and an inclusive political transition in Syria.
The wording on West Asia was carefully constructed. Rather than directly assigning responsibility to individual countries, the declaration concentrated on restraint, diplomacy, civilian protection and humanitarian access. This approach helped the expanded grouping reach consensus despite differing national interests.
One of the most closely watched issues surrounding BRICS is the possibility of creating a common currency. The 2026 declaration did not announce a BRICS common currency.
Instead, members continued to pursue a more gradual approach: increasing the use of local currencies for trade and investment and improving cross-border payment systems.
The declaration recognises that BRICS countries have different economic systems and national priorities. Therefore, it supports cooperation without imposing a single model on every member.
The BRICS Payment Task Force, involving central bank experts, has been studying ways to improve interoperability between payment and messaging systems.
The broader objective is to make cross-border payments between BRICS countries faster, cheaper, safer and more accessible. This could eventually reduce some of the friction associated with international transactions.
However, it would be incorrect to describe the declaration as announcing a complete alternative to the existing global financial system. The focus remains on practical payment cooperation and greater use of national currencies.
The declaration also encourages the New Development Bank (NDB) to expand local-currency financing, diversify its sources of funding and mobilise resources for infrastructure and development projects.
This is particularly relevant to developing economies that need large amounts of capital for infrastructure, energy, transport and sustainable development.
The grouping also agreed to continue technical work on a proposed New Investment Platform through a phased and consensus-based approach. It did not announce a fully operational new investment mechanism at the summit.
India's proposal for a BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City in Gujarat also received support for further discussions. Such initiatives could help BRICS members examine financial risks and improve cooperation in investment and financial stability.
Artificial intelligence has become an important part of the BRICS agenda. The New Delhi Declaration treats AI not only as a technology issue but also as an economic and governance opportunity for developing countries.
BRICS called for wider access to AI resources while emphasising safety, security, inclusiveness, reliability, energy efficiency and trustworthy AI.
This approach is significant because access to computing infrastructure, AI models, data and skilled professionals remains uneven across countries.
For the Global South, the central question is not simply how advanced AI becomes, but whether developing countries can participate in its development and benefit from its economic and social applications.
The declaration also welcomed India's hosting of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and committed members to implementing the BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
This places AI alongside trade, finance and development as a strategic area of BRICS cooperation.
India's influence on the declaration is particularly visible in digital public infrastructure.
The declaration notes India's proposal for a BRICS repository for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and pilot projects that could use DPI solutions across member countries.
India's experience with large-scale digital systems has made DPI an important part of its international development and technology diplomacy.
A shared repository could help BRICS countries exchange knowledge about digital identity, payments, public-service delivery and other digital systems. Pilot projects could provide an opportunity to adapt such technologies to the different needs of member countries.
Health is another area where India secured support for new cooperation mechanisms.
The declaration backs the creation of a BRICS Training Hub Network and a network of Centres of Excellence focused on mental well-being. NIMHANS in Bengaluru is expected to serve as the coordinating centre for the mental-health initiative.
This reflects a broader understanding of health cooperation within BRICS. Instead of focusing only on disease control and medical treatment, the agenda increasingly includes mental health, professional training and institutional capacity building.
The declaration also places technology and industrial modernisation at the centre of economic cooperation.
India's proposal for an India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies was welcomed. The centre is intended to support manufacturing companies and small businesses in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced digital tools.
Industry 4.0 broadly refers to the integration of automation, digital technologies, connected systems, data and advanced manufacturing processes.
For small and medium-sized businesses, access to these technologies can be important for improving productivity and competing in increasingly digital global markets.
Beyond immediate economic and security issues, the declaration places considerable emphasis on reforming global governance.
The official document says BRICS wants a more representative, fair, effective and accountable international system and reiterates its commitment to multilateralism and multipolarity.
This is particularly important as BRICS marks 20 years of cooperation. The expanded grouping is seeking greater representation for emerging and developing economies in international decision-making.
The broader objective is to make institutions such as the United Nations and international financial architecture more reflective of today's economic and geopolitical realities.
The declaration's repeated focus on the Global South is one of its defining features.
BRICS increasingly presents itself as a platform where emerging and developing economies can collectively discuss trade, development, technology, energy, finance and global governance.
The official declaration also highlights the role of BRICS partner countries and calls for greater participation by emerging markets and developing countries in practical cooperation.
India's 2026 chairship also resulted in several institutional initiatives aimed at turning BRICS cooperation into practical projects.
The declaration welcomed a Task Force on Growth and Development and the launch of the BRICS-New Development Bank Knowledge Portal. The portal is intended to facilitate the sharing of policy experiences and lessons from development projects across member countries.
The official declaration also records that India hosted more than 400 meetings and engagements across 30 cities during its BRICS chairship, involving ministers, parliamentarians, officials, experts, businesses and people.
This scale of engagement demonstrates India's attempt to move BRICS beyond a once-a-year leaders' meeting toward a wider network of institutional and sectoral cooperation.
For India, the New Delhi Declaration has significance on several levels.
First, the explicit condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and references to cross-border terrorism strengthen India's position that terrorism must be addressed collectively and without double standards.
Second, opposition to unilateral tariffs and protectionist measures aligns with India's interest in maintaining predictable access to global markets.
Third, greater use of local currencies and improved payment connectivity could create additional options for cross-border trade and investment, although the declaration does not establish a common BRICS currency.
Fourth, India's initiatives on digital public infrastructure, AI, health and Industry 4.0 have gained a multilateral platform.
Finally, the successful adoption of a consensus declaration despite differences among BRICS members demonstrates India's diplomatic challenge and opportunity as chair. The source material notes that reaching consensus itself was significant after BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement in May.
The most important feature of the New Delhi Declaration may be its attempt to combine geopolitical positions with practical economic and development initiatives.
It addresses tariffs and trade restrictions while promoting local-currency settlements. It condemns terrorism while expanding counter-terrorism cooperation. It addresses West Asia while calling for diplomacy and humanitarian access. It discusses AI while stressing safety, inclusion and access for the Global South.
The declaration therefore reflects a BRICS that is becoming broader in both membership and agenda.
The official document records India's 2026 chairship as focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability and confirms that China will take over the BRICS chairship in 2027.
The longer-term impact of the declaration will depend on how effectively these commitments are implemented. Local-currency payment systems, AI cooperation, digital infrastructure projects, development financing, counter-terrorism mechanisms and institutional reforms will require sustained coordination among members.
For now, however, the New Delhi Declaration provides a clear picture of BRICS' priorities: stronger representation for developing countries, greater economic resilience, deeper South-South cooperation and a more influential role for the Global South in shaping international affairs.