Brics New Delhi Declaration adopted: Terrorism, conflict resolution, tariff concerns addressed; key points

NEW DELHI: The Brics countries on Saturday unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi. The 45-page declaration, comprising 140 points, was discussed under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets”, with the aim of supporting sustainable energy transitions.“No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously,” PM Modi said at the summit.The declaration focused on condemning terrorism, conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes, stronger multilateralism and concerns over unilateral trade measures.PM Modi, in his separate opening remarks, called for reforms in global governance and proposed 10 measures to be developed into a Brics reform roadmap. He also called for greater representation of the Global South in international decision-making, describing the existing system as a “pyramid of privilege” that should become a “platform of partnership”.India is chairing Brics in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.Brics New Delhi Declaration - full textKey points of the declarationThe Declaration addressed various key issues and concerns affecting the global order, such as:TerrorismBrics strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, terrorism financing and safe havens, condemned the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, and called for zero tolerance, accountability and early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. "We commend India for hosting the Outreach/BRICS Plus Dialogue segment of the 18thBRICS Summit, which injects new impetus to strengthen international cooperation andsolidarity," it further statedBrics cooperationThe bloc reaffirmed its commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, inclusiveness and consensus, and pledged to strengthen cooperation across its three pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.Conflict preventionBrics countries stressed the importance of efforts to prevent conflicts, including by addressing their root causes. The declaration reaffirmed a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy. Brics further urged all parties to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid, opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state based on the internationally recognised 1967 borders.The declaration was adopted on the first day of the two-day Summit being hosted by India in New Delhi. The joint declaration came after intensive negotiations that continued until 4 am on Saturday, with India leading efforts to bridge differences between the UAE and Iran over the West Asia conflict. The talks followed an earlier Brics foreign ministers’ meeting under India’s presidency that ended without a consensus, prompting prolonged negotiations to ensure the summit concluded with a joint statement.Women’s empowermentBrics recognised women as leaders, decision-makers and drivers of economic growth and social transformation, stressing their participation in governance, economic life, peacebuilding and climate action."We affirm that women's participation in governance; their financial and digital inclusion; their capacity building, access to skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, support to entrepreneurship, access to productive and social services and their crucial role in climate action, food security and nutrition, which are interconnected is key for sustainable development," the declaration said."We also recognise the importance of policies that support women's full participation in economic life, including through appropriate care policies, in accordance with national circumstances," the leaders further said.Local currencies' pushBrics backed efforts to promote cross-border payments and trade settlements using member countries’ local currencies, while respecting national priorities. “We acknowledge the work done to study the cross-border interoperability of payment and messaging channels, and the discussions on promoting trade settlements and investments using BRICS local currencies,” the declaration stated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.